Virat Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and one in every of India’s greatest-ever cricketers, not too long ago took a visit down reminiscence lane in a enjoyable section titled ’18 Calling 18′ on JioHotstar. In dialog with presenter Jatin Sapru, Kohli was proven a uncommon archival clip from the 2011 IPL season, capturing him at simply 22 years previous after incomes his first-ever Participant of the Match award within the league.
The video clip introduced again a post-match interview the place Kohli defined how he took cost of an important run-chase in opposition to Delhi Daredevils, permitting Chris Gayle – the large West Indian superstar- to settle in on the different finish. Kohli, now older and way more reflective, couldn’t comprise his laughter as he watched his youthful self confidently narrate his recreation plan.
Because the video performed, Kohli listened intently earlier than erupting into laughter at one specific line the place he had stated:
“That was the plan within the center in order that he (Chris Gayle) might play himself in, and I might go for my pictures”
Clearly amused by the concept he was shielding Chris Gayle, the world’s most harmful T20 batter, Kohli laughed out loud and quipped:
“Chris might play himself in? Waah! Ghalat fehmi dekh lo!”(Have a look at that false impression!) I don’t even know what I stated. You guys introduced it right here from someplace… I used to be simply speaking nonsense!,” the 36-year-old added.
Following his laughter, Kohli made a extra critical statement about how occasions have modified with social media.
“Because the social media growth, followers have began analysing gamers’ quotes, which has turn out to be method too twisted,” Kohli concluded.
It’s a delicate however telling touch upon how athlete statements, regardless of how harmless or light-hearted, could be dissected and misrepresented in the present day – one thing Kohli himself has skilled all through his profession.
Kohli reacting to his first IPL MOTM interview the place he talked about being the aggressor whereas enjoying with Chris Gayle.
had snicker, made enjoyable of himself watching that 14-yr-old interview.
This man is the funniest of all, man. 😭😭pic.twitter.com/0EOjQf39Ch— Okay. (@Lifefkdup) April 9, 2025
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Kohli and Gayle’s essential partnership for RCB throughout IPL 2011
The memorable recreation was performed on the Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium) in Delhi, the place RCB chased down a goal of 162 in opposition to the then Daredevils (Delhi Capitals now). Kohli, in entrance of his residence crowd, scored a match-winning 56 off 38 balls, smashing 8 fours and a pair of sixes. It was solely 4 years after his IPL debut, and it marked a breakthrough second in his T20 profession.
However what made the match further particular was his 82-run second-wicket partnership with Chris Gayle, who had simply joined RCB that season. Kohli’s younger, aggressive intent mixed with Gayle’s expertise made for a lethal duo – a sample that may turn out to be one in every of RCB’s biggest batting strengths over the subsequent few seasons.
Gayle, often called the ‘Universe Boss,’ would go on to turn out to be a T20 legend, however throughout this recreation, he let Kohli take the highlight. Gayle scored an unbeaten 26 off 21 balls, enjoying second fiddle to the youthful Kohli. The respect and chemistry between the 2 laid the muse for a number of memorable RCB partnerships within the years that adopted.