Virat Kohli needles Harpreet Brar after PBKS bowler’s aggressive celebration against RCB, gets ice-cold response

The high-pressure encounter saw Virat Kohli indulge in a couple of moments with Punjab spinner Harpreet Brar during the innings.

Updated on: May 17, 2026, 17:05:33 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Virat Kohli looked completely in rhythm once again as he walked out to bat after his brilliant century against Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous game. Carrying the same confidence into the clash against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, Kohli started positively and immediately put the bowlers under pressure with his intent and presence at the crease. The former RCB captain appeared in full control, rotating strike with ease while also keeping the scoreboard moving with authority.

Virat Kohli teases Harpreet Brar during PBKS vs RCB clash. (AFP)

Along with his batting fluency, Kohli also brought his trademark intensity and energy to the middle. The high-pressure encounter saw the veteran batter indulge in a couple of moments with Punjab spinner Harpreet Brar during the innings.

The incident took place on the fifth ball of the ninth over when Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a back-of-a-length ball that Kohli pushed towards point. Sensing a quick single, Kohli stepped out of his crease immediately, but non-striker Devdutt Padikkal was quick to turn it down after noticing Brar charging onto the ball. Kohli had already advanced a fair distance down the pitch by then and found himself stranded momentarily.

Instead of rushing back in panic, Kohli paused and cheekily stared at Brar, almost inviting him to attempt a direct hit at the stumps. Brar, however, chose not to risk the throw, aware that a miss could easily result in overthrows and hand away extra runs. With Punjab already facing criticism for inconsistent fielding performances this season, the spinner avoided taking an unnecessary gamble in a tense contest.

Meanwhile, Brar was aggressive with his celebrations in the match as he claimed two crucial wickets of Jacob Bethell and Devdutt Padikkal.

Later in the match, Kohli, with a smile on his face, had a word with Brar after the end of the 14th over but the PBKS spinner just walked ahead.

Also Read - Virat Kohli’s explosive ‘I don’t need to prove myself’ stance gets massive backing from R Ashwin: 'Nothing left for him'

It wasn’t the first time Kohli and Brar shared an exchange on the field. The two had a similar moment during last season as well, with Kohli leading the banter while the Punjab Kings spinner chose to respond with a smile rather than words.

During the tense run chase, Kohli was heard telling Brar, “20 saal ho gaye cricket khelte hue, aese stump thodi na ho jaunga. Tere coach ko bhi janta hoon (I’ve been playing cricket for 20 years, I’m not going to get out like that. I even know your coach).” Brar couldn't help but chuckle at the banter.

Virat Kohli smashes fifty

Meanwhile, Kohli continued his impressive form with a fluent 31-ball half-century against Punjab Kings, once again playing the anchor role for RCB. He looked assured from the start, timing the ball beautifully and finding boundaries consistently while keeping the innings steady from one end. His calm presence in the middle helped RCB maintain momentum during crucial phases. In the end, he was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal for 58 off 37 balls.

Earlier, Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first as Shreyas Iyer’s side searched desperately for a much-needed win. RCB, meanwhile, were without regular captain Rajat Patidar, who missed the match due to injury, with Jitesh Sharma leading the side.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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