A moment of on-field banter involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli has ignited a social media storm following the high-stakes Qualifier 1 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday at Mullanpur. While RCB’s clinical performance ensured a smooth entry into the finals, an alleged remark by Kohli has stirred controversy.
During Punjab’s innings, young batter Musheer Khan was introduced as an Impact Player following a middle-order collapse. Shortly after his arrival, Kohli was caught on camera appearing to gesture and say, “The guy who was delivering water bottles is now out to bat.” This moment, captured and widely circulated online, drew mixed reactions from cricket fans and pundits alike.
Earlier in the match, Musheer had indeed been seen performing 12th man duties—carrying drinks to teammates. Kohli’s comment, perceived by some as mocking, was viewed by critics as belittling a young and promising player stepping up under pressure.
Several users took to social media to express disappointment, suggesting that Kohli’s stature as a senior international cricketer demands more encouragement for emerging talent, not disparagement. “This isn’t the sportsmanship we expect from someone of his calibre,” read one critical tweet.
However, others came to Kohli’s defense, arguing the remark was taken out of context. Supporters pointed out that earlier in the season, Kohli had gifted Musheer one of his bats, indicating a friendly rapport between the two. Some fans interpreted the moment as light-hearted locker-room banter, with Kohli treating Musheer like a younger brother rather than an opponent.
The incident has added an off-field subplot to an otherwise dominant performance by RCB, who now await their opponent in the IPL 2025 final. Whether playful or misplaced, Kohli’s words have once again placed him at the center of the cricketing conversation.
