Virat Kohli’s Hilarious IPL Sledging Incident with Ishant Sharma
Virat Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and one of the greatest IPL legends, recently shared a never-before-heard story about an intense on-field banter with his former India teammate Ishant Sharma. The incident took place during a high-pressure IPL match between RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens.
In a special episode of ’18 Calling 18’ on JioCinema, Kohli recalled how Ishant, fresh from his heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, tried to intimidate him with aggressive bowling and relentless sledging. Kohli’s response? A classic “Side mein aa, tereko batata hu…” (Come aside, I’ll show you!).
The High-Voltage IPL Clash
The match in question was a high-scoring thriller where KKR set a mammoth target of 223 runs. Kohli, leading RCB’s chase, found himself up against Ishant Sharma, who was in red-hot form.
- Kohli’s Struggle: Despite being long-time Delhi and India teammates, Kohli admitted feeling the pressure of Ishant’s fiery spell.
- Ishant’s Sledging: Fresh off dismissing Ricky Ponting in Perth, Ishant had a “star attitude” and didn’t hold back with his words.
- Kohli’s Epic Reply: Unfazed, Kohli shot back with his now-iconic line, turning the heated exchange into a fun moment.
Unfortunately, RCB lost the match, but Kohli’s fiery personality and competitive spirit were on full display.
Virat Kohli’s IPL 2025 Form – A Return to Dominance?
Kohli has started IPL 2025 strongly, silencing critics with consistent performances:
- 67 (42) vs Mumbai Indians
- 59 in the opening match*
- 31 vs Chennai Super Kings
- 7 vs Gujarat Titans (a rare failure)
At 36, Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL history (8,168 runs) and holds the record for most centuries (8) in the tournament.
Kohli’s Mindset: No Ego, Just Adaptation
In the same interview, Kohli emphasized that his success stems from adapting to match situations rather than personal milestones.
“It’s never about ego. It was never about trying to overshadow anyone. It’s always been about understanding the game situation—and that’s something I’ve always taken pride in.”
He credited his 2010-2011 IPL seasons as the turning point when he got consistent chances at No. 3, unlocking his true potential.
Where to Watch IPL 2025 Live?
Catch Virat Kohli and RCB in action:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Live: JioCinema (free for mobile users)
- Upcoming Fixtures: Check the official IPL website for RCB’s next matches.
FAQs About Kohli’s IPL Journey & Sledging Incident
1. What did Virat Kohli say to Ishant Sharma during the IPL match?
Kohli responded to Ishant’s sledging with “Side mein aa, tereko batata hu…”
2. Did RCB win the match against KKR?
No, RCB lost despite Kohli’s efforts.
3. How many runs has Virat Kohli scored in the IPL?
Kohli has 8,168 runs, the highest in IPL history.
4. How many IPL centuries does Kohli have?
He holds the record for 8 IPL centuries.
5. Where can I watch IPL 2025 live?
- TV: Star Sports
- View: JioCinema
6. What is Virat Kohli’s jersey number?
#18 – He’s playing his 18th IPL season in 2025.
7. Has Kohli played for any team other than RCB?
No, he’s the only player to represent just one franchise in all IPL seasons.
8. What was Ishant Sharma’s form during the sledging incident?
He was coming off a strong Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance in Australia.
9. What’s Kohli’s approach to T20 batting?
He focuses on situational awareness rather than ego-driven play.
10. When did Kohli’s IPL career take off?
His breakthrough came in 2010-2011 when he started batting at No. 3 regularly.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli’s competitive fire and adaptability continue to make him an IPL legend. Whether it’s shutting down sledging with a witty comeback or anchoring RCB’s innings, he remains a must-watch player in IPL 2025.
Will Kohli lead RCB to their maiden IPL title this season? Stay tuned for more updates! | Source: NDTV
