Follow UsVirat Kohli is not someone who shies away from having a word or two on the field. In the Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter did not mince his words when he made fun of Musheer Khan on his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut.
Kohli allegedly said Ye paani pilata hai', which roughly translates to "Didn't he carry drinks?" when the batter came out to bat. It did not go down well with many fans, but the trick to unnerve the youngster worked as he was dismissed for a three-ball duck.
Former India cricketer Atul Wassan, however, sees the lighter side of this and says Kohli would even sledge his own children if he had to, given his competitive nature.
“Virat has a competitive nature; even if he plays with his own baby, he would like to win. One should not feel bad about it. When you are playing the game, consider yourself equal, and don't expect an inch, nor give an inch. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. If someone is doing it within the line, it's fine. Sledging is a mixture of sarcasm, wit and being obnoxious," Wassan said in a show by Hindustan Times.
“Of course, there should be no physical confrontation, but certain gestures should not be misinterpreted, which entirely depends on the match officials. You have to let people express themselves within the limits."
RCB went on to win the match comfortably and book their place in the IPL 2025 final. They will face the winner of PBKS vs Mumbai Indians (MI) Qualifier 2 in the summit clash in Ahmedabad on June 3 (Tuesday).