Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a low-scoring Qualifier 1 match on 29 May. Amid the action, PBKS debutant Musheer Khan got a dramatic welcome from RCB’s Virat Kohli, who resorted to a hilarious sledge to unnerve the youngster.
Musheer made an unexpected entry as an impact sub as PBKS were in a dire situation at 60/6 in the ninth over. As the 20-year-old batter walked up to the crease and took stance, Virat seemed to be puzzled about captain Shreyas Iyer’s decision to send an inexperienced player at such a critical juncture of the game.
Kohli, standing at slip, was seen gesturing towards Musheer and uttering something. Commentator Matthew Hayden pointed it out, saying, “Look at Virat Kohli at the first slip. Just letting him (Musheer) know that he’s a debutant in a pretty big match. He’s saying, ‘Who is this guy?’”
Fellow commentator Harsha Bhogle chimed in, saying that Musheer should remind Kohli about his brother Sarfaraz Khan, suggesting he turn around and say, “You know my brother, he hit 150 playing for India.”
Amidst the chatter, Musheer had a debut to forget, falling for a three-ball duck to Suyash Sharma. However, he did redeem himself, taking the wicket of Mayank Agarwal, although his effort could not secure a win for PBKS.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s action towards the debutant has left the internet divided. While many have questioned the need for such behaviour towards a 20-year-old who was making his IPL bow, many fans have pointed out that the two share a good relationship outside the field.
In fact, Kohli gifted Musheer a bat on 21 April after RCB’s match against PBKS in Chandigarh. In response, Musheer took to social media to thank the batter for such a gesture.
