Musheer Khan-Virat Kohli controversy has taken the cricketing world by storm following an intense IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29 at Mullanpur, Chandigarh. What started as a routine high-stakes knockout game has now sparked widespread debate across social media, with Kohli’s alleged comment towards debutant Musheer Khan becoming the focal point of criticism and conversation.
What Did Kohli Say to Musheer Khan?
Musheer Khan, the 20-year-old younger brother of Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, was making his IPL and T20 debut in a pressure situation. Punjab Kings were reeling at 60 for six when he was brought in as an impact substitute after Marcus Stoinis’ dismissal in the ninth over. Just three balls into his debut, Musheer was dismissed for a duck by RCB leg-spinner Suyash Sharma via DRS.
What drew attention, however, wasn’t just the quick dismissal—it was Virat Kohli’s alleged comment at first slip as Musheer walked out to bat. A viral video circulated on social media seemingly showed Kohli gesturing and saying, “Yeh paani pilata hai” (translated as “He serves water”), a remark perceived by many as a sledge mocking Musheer’s earlier role as a drinks carrier for the team.
Social Media Reaction: Divided Opinions on Kohli’s Intent
Musheer Khan Virat Kohli controversy quickly blew up online, with fans, analysts, and former players weighing in. Critics accused Kohli of being disrespectful, especially considering Musheer’s debut status and the significant age gap between the two players. Some users on platform X called the comment “shameless” and equated it with bullying a young cricketer.
On the flip side, Kohli’s supporters rushed to defend him. Many argued that the remark was taken out of context and wasn’t intended as a slight. One widely shared post stated, “Virat was no way demeaning Musheer Khan. He just expressed surprise, saying, ‘Yeh abhi paani pilaa ke gaya tha aur ab batting karne aa gaya.’” This interpretation framed the comment as spontaneous and surprised rather than insulting.
Kohli’s On-Field Behaviour: Passion or Provocation?
Throughout the match, Kohli was seen in his trademark aggressive avatar, displaying high energy, intense celebrations, and animated reactions. Some fans celebrated this as “vintage Kohli” — a glimpse into the fiery spirit that has defined his career. However, others found his enthusiasm excessive, especially when directed toward a 20-year-old debutant.
Adding to the spectacle was the presence of Anushka Sharma in the stands, seen laughing during Kohli’s celebratory gestures after Musheer’s dismissal, which further fueled online chatter.
Adding complexity to the story is the fact that earlier this season, Kohli had gifted a bat to Musheer Khan—a gesture the debutant had acknowledged with gratitude on Instagram, writing, “A million thanks for the bat, Virat Bhaiyya.” This act of goodwill has made the current incident more perplexing for fans, many of whom are struggling to reconcile the two contrasting moments.
It’s important to note that the viral video does not contain audio, and the claim that Kohli said “Yeh paani pilata hai” is based on lip-reading rather than verifiable evidence. Outlets have cautioned readers that the remark “cannot be independently verified,” urging the public to consider the possibility of misinterpretation before drawing conclusions.
Musheer Khan Virat Kohli’s controversy reflects how every gesture and comment in modern-day cricket is scrutinised through the lens of social media. While some fans see Kohli’s behaviour as a passionate expression of competitive cricket, others are calling for more restraint, especially when dealing with debutants trying to find their footing.
 and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29 at Mullanpur, Chandigarh. What started as a routine high-stakes knockout game has now sparked widespread debate across social media, with Kohli’s alleged comment towards debutant Musheer Khan becoming the focal point of criticism and conversation.){kind=link}