In a pressure Qualifier 1 contest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Virat Kohli sledges Musheer Khan in his debut, but an unmistakable gesture that quickly gained traction both on and off the pitch. The Punjab Kings (PBKS), who had already lost six wickets for merely 60 runs in 8.2 overs, sent in Musheer Khan as a game-changer substitute. Debuted under very tense conditions.
Musheer Khan’s Surprise Entry Raises Eyebrows
Musheer Khan, the younger sibling of Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, was not included in the initial playing XI. But with a dramatic collapse of batting, he replaced Prabhsimran Singh. Stepping out to bat after Suyash Sharma dismissed Shashank Singh with a well-timed googly, Musheer had the difficult task of facing the fire in a do-or-die situation.
Kohli’s Sledge: “Who Is This Guy?”
"Paani pilata hai yeh" (he serves water to others)
See how shamelessly he's laughing after saying that. pic.twitter.com/xl4WKuVkoP
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) May 30, 2025
Respect aside, mocking a debutant in his first playoff match by saying "Yeh toh paani pilata hai" is a cheap move by Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/yVQMtYRdyR
— preet (@shaktimaan_19) May 29, 2025
When Musheer came to take his guard, Virat Kohli at slip couldn’t resist a bit of gamesmanship. The RCB superstar appeared to sledge the young debutant when, reportedly, he said, “kaun hai yeh?” The exchange caught on the telecast and by the commentators. Ex-Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden, in commentary, said, “Look at Virat Kohli at slip, just letting him know he’s a debutant in a pretty big match.”
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The other commentator, Harsha Bhogle, joined in a tongue-in-cheek style, proposing that Musheer might have countered with the reply, “You know my brother, he scored 150 playing for India.”
Social Media reactions not in support:
Virat Kohli saying "Ye to Paani pilata hai" to young Musheer Khan.
What a shameless person he is still laughing even after saying. 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/usrMJ2NGiz
— Shana⁴⁵ (@shana45__) May 30, 2025
Respect aside, mocking a debutant in his first playoff match by saying "Yeh toh paani pilata hai" is a cheap move by Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/yVQMtYRdyR
— preet (@shaktimaan_19) May 29, 2025
Look at the gesture of Virat Kohli, mocking a youngster by saying, "Yeh toh paani pilata hai."
That's why this arrogant piece of trash couldn't touch the trophy for 17 years.
If God is real, he will be sent back empty-handed again.
We are coming to Ahmedabad to serve you karma. pic.twitter.com/iAQlL4tyZp— Nishant (@NishantMShakya) May 29, 2025
Reactions in support:
There is difference between "ye abhi toh paani pilane aaya tha , batting pe kaise aa gaya" vs "yeh paani pilata hai"
If you can't understand this, then your sense of humor is lacking. https://t.co/ITKMTjXzSY— Umesh Rathva (@TheRathva) May 30, 2025
Let me clarify that he didnt say 'Yeh Paani Pilata hai'. Virat's hands mistakenly registered an interaction. There was absolutely no intent behind it. I request no unnecessary assumptions be made. Thank you for your understanding. #PBKSvsRCB pic.twitter.com/QSvj2zgdwQ
— Kashmiri Hindu (@RohitInExile) May 30, 2025
Virat Kohli gifted Musheer Khan his bat as well in the league match of PBKS vs RCB.
Imagine hating & abusing a pure soul like Virat Kohli by making up a false story who loves & supports each & every youngster.
— leisha (@katyxkohli17) May 29, 2025
A Brief Stay for Musheer Khan
The joy was short-lived for Musheer. He was sent back for a three-ball duck, going to Suyash Sharma’s tight bowling. Nevertheless, Musheer did attempt a small comeback by taking one wicket later on in the match, though it didn’t affect the result.
RCB Crushes PBKS to Reach IPL 2025 Final
RCB produced a clinical performance, beating Punjab Kings by eight wickets to qualify for the IPL 2025 final. PBKS were bowled out for a pathetic 101 in 14.1 overs.
The RCB bowlers dominated from the beginning:
Suyash Sharma: 3/17
Josh Hazlewood: 3/21
Yash Dayal: 2/26
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 1/17
Marcus Stoinis alone put up resistance and scored 26 runs.
Philip Salt Powers RCB Chase
Chasing down the meager target, RCB channelled through to victory, scoring 106/2 in 10 overs. Philip Salt plundered a blistering 56 off 27 balls, making it look easy and sending RCB to the final.
ALSO READ: RCB Into the Finals: How Many Times RCB Reached The IPL Final?
