Anushka Sharma’s viral accessory: What’s the prayer ring she wore to Virat’s IPL game?

On Tuesday (May 26), the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into the Indian Premier League (IPL). Its victory over the Gujarat Titans was built on a record 254/5, the highest total in IPL playoff history.

As the record-setting performance powered RCB, behind the scenes, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma was passionately cheering for her hubby, Virat Kohli, and his team, RCB. As she watched the high-stakes games from the stands, Anushka was also seen donning a device on her finger that sort of broke the internet.

While the PK-actress was putting on a stylish yet simple look in a floral top and jeans, the entire focus quickly shifted to a unique accessory on her finger. The internet couldn’t stop guessing what Anushka was actually wearing.

Hold on... here's the answer.

It was a digital tally counter ring, also called a jap counter or prayer counter ring.

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But what is it, and why was she wearing it?

Anushka’s prayer ring gesture

This digital counter is a new entry into the religious realm. The tally counter is a device that counts or tracks mantra repetitions during meditation and prayer. The wearer can press the given button and increase the numbers on the digital screen.

Once you press, it logs each mantra recitation and increases the count by 1 with each press. This also helps remove the need for constant mental tracking.

Compact, portable, and battery-operated, it is designed to help users maintain focus without needing to count manually. It can cost around Rs 50.

While the device serves several purposes — from counting gym sets to keeping track of event attendance — it has also been adopted among Hindus and Muslims for daily prayer practices.

Essentially, it's a digital alternative to traditional naam japa malas. Sharma, like other Hindus, most likely uses the counter to perform naam japas.

Both she and Virat Kohli are often spotted donning the jap counter as part of their personal spiritual routine.

Not just that, during the match, Anushka was also wearing a Tulsi kanthi mala around her neck, which is a familiar Hindu symbol of spirituality, according to reports.

The internet freezes on Anushka's jap mala

Of course, Anushka turning a cheerleader for Virat is a major social media moment. The internet was flooded with photos of the actress chanting throughout the match. At one point, she was also seen folding her hands, appearing to pray during the match's tense moments.

After spotting something unusual on her finger, an X user asked: "What is Anushka Sharma wearing on her finger?"

The question prompted a quick response from Grok, an AI assistant built by xAI. "It's a digital tally counter ring, also called a jap counter or prayer counter ring," the chatbot said.

Another X user tried to explain what he called Anushka's “Secret Prayer Weapon”.

"It's called 'Tally Counter, ' a mini electronic smart ring with a small LCD display screen and a built-in clicker button. It works as a modern, pocket-sized digital alternative to the traditional prayer beads (Mala)," the user wrote on X.

Another user described her as an ideal role model for the younger generations because of her accessories.

However, some also criticised it, calling it "performative and showy."

“Anushka sharma did pk and learned nothing,” another user chimed in.

With inputs from agencies