In an impressive performance during the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) Qualifier 1, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) booked their place in the final by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday.
Opting to bowl first, RCB's bowlers dismantled PBKS's batting line-up, restricting them to a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Phil Salt then led the chase with an unbeaten 56 runs off 27 balls, guiding RCB to the target in just 10 overs. This victory confirmed RCB's first appearance in the IPL final since 2016 as now they are only one win away from lifting the maiden trophy.
However, the match was not without controversy. During PBKS's innings, debutant Musheer Khan entered the field as an impact substitute. As he approached the crease, RCB's Virat Kohli was seen gesturing and reportedly saying, "Ye paani pilata hai," referencing to Musheer previously serving drinks to his teammates.
Virat Kohli’s Sledging of Musheer Khan Upsets Netizens
In the ninth over of the PBKS innings, with the team struggling at 60 for six, 20-year-old Musheer, younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, made his IPL debut as an Impact Player. As Musheer took his position at the crease, Kohli, fielding at slip, was seen gesturing and reportedly saying, "Ye paani pilata hai.”
Kohli's words were captured on the camera and quickly went viral on social media, leading to a divided public reaction.
Some fans criticized Kohli for what they perceived as a disrespectful comment towards a young player making his debut. Others defended him, calling the remark light banter.
Here are a few tweets:
Virat Kohli Gifts His Bat to Musheer Khan
While Kohli is receiving a lot of flak for his words, it is worth mentioning that he recently gifted his bat to Musheer. The PBKS batter himself revealed his reaction upon receiving Kohli's bat. He said:
"Maine rona shuru kar diya jaise hi unhone bat diya (I started crying the moment he handed me the bat). I told bhaiyya (Virat Kohli), I have scored a lot of runs from your bat. Sarfaraz bhai always used to give me your gifted bats."
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