During the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings, a controversial on-field remark by Virat Kohli towards Punjab’s new recruit Mushir Khan has created a storm. While RCB won convincingly, a video of Kohli’s comment to Mushir Khan has been making waves, with many questioning sportsmanship and competitive sledging in cricket.
What Exactly Happened?
In the match, Mushir Khan asserted himself on debut IPL cricket by playing at the crease alongside his brother Sarfaraz Khan after the latter was sent back by RCB bowling. As Mushir Khan asserted himself on the crease to meet the RCB bowling attack, he was overheard saying:
“This is the same guy who used to bring us water!”
This remark, which appeared to be a throwaway comment, fast gained traction on social media and has since been regarded as a possible instance of “sledging” by the ex-India skipper.
The Context: Mushir Khan's IPL Debut
Mushir Khan’s path to the IPL has been a motivational one. Referred to as being steadfast and diligent, Mushir had worked as a net bowler before and would frequently assist senior players, such as running with drinks during practice games. His first match against a team like RCB was a historic moment, but the remark from Kohli made some fans wonder whether it was legitimate or if it discounted Mushir’s achievement.
Kohli’s Competitive Spirit or Unnecessary Sledging?
Virat Kohli is renowned for his intense competitive spirit and aggressive style of play. While many fans admire his energy on the field, some believe this particular remark to Mushir Khan was in poor taste—especially considering the 20-year-old’s debut.
Earlier, Kohli had been criticized for having such incendiary exchanges. A notable example is that he had heated arguments with Suryakumar Yadav in the IPL, when SKY was gaining momentum but had not yet earned himself a position in the Indian team. This episode with Mushir Khan, although appeared to be light-hearted, has brought forth a new debate regarding where exactly the line is drawn between banter and disrespect.
How Did Mushir React?
Interestingly, Mushir Khan has not made any public statement about the remark so far. In fact, prior to the match, Mushir had spoken warmly about Kohli, even sharing that Kohli once gifted him a bat when he was still a net bowler. Mushir’s respect for the cricketing icon is evident, but whether Kohli’s words on the field affected him personally remains unclear.
Fans Divided Over Kohli’s Words
The viral video has led to mixed reactions from cricket fans. Some argue that Kohli’s comment was a harmless joke—an acknowledgment of Mushir’s journey from water boy to playing against the best. Others feel that such remarks, especially towards a young Indian player making his IPL debut, could be discouraging.
The statement “used to bring water” could have been uttered facetiously, but in the cutthroat environment of IPL cricket, every statement must be weighed—particularly when they are spoken by a figure like Kohli.
What Does This Mean for IPL and Player Relations?
Incidents like these underscore the singular intensity of the IPL, in which young players are up against the legends they once looked up to. Competitive trash talk is a part of the sport, but making sure that it does not spill over into personal space is important to retaining respect for one another on the field.
For Mushir Khan, this moment, though overshadowed by the controversy, is still a proud milestone—debuting in the IPL and proving himself against some of the biggest names in world cricket.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s remark to Mushir Khan—“This is the same guy who used to bring us water”—has certainly become a talking point in IPL 2025. It underscores the thin line between light-hearted banter and potential disrespect in professional cricket.
What do you think? Do you view Kohli’s statement as a sledge or as a light-hearted acknowledgement of Mushir Khan’s rise? Share your opinion in the comments!
