Sport

Virat Kohli vs Shreyas Iyer: Heated Post-Match Exchange Goes Viral After RCBs Win Over PBKS

April 21, 2025

Virat Kohli once again proved why he remains the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivering a match-winning performance that steered RCB to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025. Chasing a modest target of 158 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh, Kohli remained unbeaten on 73 off 54 balls, ensuring RCB’s impeccable away streak continued.

The veteran batter stitched a crucial 103-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who was equally impressive with a blistering 61 off just 35 deliveries. Together, they dismantled the PBKS bowling attack with precision and calm. Padikkal’s explosive innings featured five fours and four sixes, while Kohli’s composed knock included seven boundaries and a towering six, showcasing his unmatched ability to control a chase under pressure.

Kohli’s Record-Breaking Fifty and Player of the Match Honors

Kohli’s half-century wasn’t just another statistical milestone—it was a record-breaking moment. This was his 59th IPL fifty, taking him past David Warner (66) for the most 50+ scores in the tournament’s history (67 overall). Unsurprisingly, he was named Player of the Match, underlining his growing form as the tournament inches toward its business end.

This win also pushed RCB into the top four with 10 points from eight games, their fifth win of the season—all away from home. Notably, RCB are yet to win a match at their fortress, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, making their dominance on the road even more significant in this high-stakes TATA IPL 2025 season.

Post-Match Sparks: Kohli’s Celebration Ruffles Iyer’s Feathers

While Kohli’s brilliance with the bat earned headlines, what truly set social media abuzz was his fiery interaction with PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer after the match. Moments after Jitesh Sharma sealed the win with a six, Kohli turned animatedly towards Iyer during his celebration—an act that appeared to be laced with personal intent.

During the customary post-match handshake, cameras captured a frosty exchange between the two Indian stars. Kohli, visibly amused, tried to break the ice, but Iyer maintained a stern demeanor. A short verbal exchange followed, with Iyer appearing clearly displeased. While no heated argument broke out, the body language was unmistakable—a handshake ending with tension and a subtle shoulder brush that hinted at unresolved emotions.

This wasn’t Kohli’s only animated moment in the game. Earlier, after running out Nehal Wadhera, he had an intense send-off for the youngster. He was also seen playfully teasing Harpreet Brar in Punjabi during the chase, adding fuel to an already charged atmosphere.

Fan Reactions: Divided Over Kohli’s Aggression

The Kohli-Iyer faceoff quickly went viral on social platforms, with fans and pundits alike offering divided opinions. While some praised Kohli’s passion and fire, others felt the gesture was unnecessary—especially between two Team India mainstays. “Not good for Indian cricket,” read one viral tweet, while another questioned whether such on-field aggression could impact team dynamics beyond the IPL.

Still, Kohli’s intensity has long been a double-edged sword—both a source of inspiration and, at times, controversy. As India prepares for major international assignments later this year, how this episode impacts dressing room chemistry remains to be seen.

RCB Bowlers Set the Tone

Earlier in the evening, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined performance. PBKS could only manage 157/6, with Prabhsimran Singh top-scoring and Shashank Singh anchoring the latter half of the innings with 31 off 33. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma impressed with two wickets apiece while maintaining economy, effectively strangling the PBKS middle-order momentum.