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The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium was not only marked by RCB’s dominant performance but also by a controversial on-field incident involving Virat Kohli and PBKS debutant Musheer Khan.
Virat Kohli’s sledge sparks debate
The incident unfolded in the ninth over of PBKS’s innings, after the team suffered a dramatic batting collapse and introduced 20-year-old Musheer as an Impact Substitute. As Musheer, making his IPL debut, walked out to bat at No. 8, Kohli – fielding at first slip – was seen gesturing and allegedly referring to the youngster as a “water-boy,” reportedly saying, “Yeh paani pilata hai” (This guy carries drinks). The moment, captured on live broadcast and quickly circulated on social media, drew sharp reactions from fans and commentators.
Here’s the video:
— * (@imsdian7) May 30, 2025
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, on commentary, remarked, “Look at Virat Kohli at the first slip. Just letting him know that he’s a debutant in a pretty big match. He’s saying, ‘who is this guy?’” Fellow commentator Harsha Bhogle noted that Musheer is the younger brother of Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, suggesting the debutant had already made a name for himself in domestic cricket.
RCB thrash Punjab Kings by 8 wickets
The sledge came amid a disastrous batting performance by Punjab Kings. After being put in to bat, PBKS lost wickets in quick succession and were reduced to 60/6 by the ninth over. Musheer, who had earlier carried drinks to his teammates, was thrust into the spotlight on debut but was dismissed for a three-ball duck by Suyash Sharma. PBKS were eventually bowled out for just 101 runs.
RCB chased down the target with ease, thanks to a brisk half-century from Phil Salt, winning by eight wickets and securing a spot in the IPL final for the first time since 2016.
Also READ: Netizens go wild as ruthless RCB hammers Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 to seal IPL 2025 final berth
