During IPL 2025’s Qualifier 1 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, Virat Kohli found himself at the centre of a heated online debate after sledging PBKS all-rounder Musheer Khan. As Punjab struggled with a collapsed top and middle order, they introduced Musheer as an Impact Substitute.
Upon his arrival, Kohli was caught on camera referring to him as a “water boy,” a comment referencing Musheer delivering drinks to teammates earlier in the match. This gesture, perceived by many as mocking, went viral and drew mixed reactions. Critics accused Kohli of insulting the young debutant, branding his behaviour as disrespectful and uncalled for on such a high-stakes occasion.
Mixed Fan Reactions Emerge Online
Social media erupted with strong opinions. Some users condemned Virat Kohli’s remark as humiliating, calling it the “worst behaviour” and labelling him “shameless.” Video clips of Kohli allegedly saying “Ye to paani pilata hai” (he’s just the water boy) to Musheer went viral, intensifying the backlash. However, not everyone viewed the situation negatively.
Some are slamming Virat Kohli over a gesture to Musheer Khan—but just 15 days ago, Kohli gifted him a bat.
Musheer said, “I had tears in my eyes.”
On the field, passion. Off it, a big heart.
Don’t misjudge the man who wins hearts with his bat.
Change your lens. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sjUt0SNnLa
— Manni (@ThadhaniManish_) May 30, 2025
"Pani Pilata Hai…" Virat Kohli making fun of 20 year old #PunjabKings player #Musheerkhan
This looks really saddening when a 20 year old is on the field batting against #RCB and being a legend for many; you make fun of him by saying "ye pani pilata h ". #shamelessViratKohli pic.twitter.com/xJe5gwQsM9— Swastika Sruti (@SrutiSwastika) May 29, 2025
I deleted my previous tweet on Musheer & Virat incident coz I misinterpreted and fell for twitter agenda from Virat's haters.
Virat was no way demeaning Musheer Khan but he was saying, "Ye abhi paani pilaa ke gya tha aur ab batting krne aa gya" as he was surprised to see him bat… pic.twitter.com/KYdTJmE54G
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) May 29, 2025
Several fans jumped to Kohli’s defence, reminding others that earlier in the season, the RCB star had gifted one of his bats to Musheer. Supporters pointed out that Musheer idolises Kohli and affectionately calls him bhaiya (brother), suggesting the remark was light-hearted banter between a senior and junior player. They emphasised the emotional intensity of knockout matches and asked others to stop spreading “false agendas.”
High-Pressure Tactics or Crossing the Line?
Virat Kohli is known for his intense passion and animated presence on the field. Even though Rajat Patidar had resumed captaincy duties for RCB, Kohli was actively involved in setting fields and energising the team. His behaviour against Musheer could be interpreted as part of a broader strategy to mentally rattle the last remaining PBKS batter.
High-pressure games like Qualifier 1 often bring out aggressive instincts in players, and sledging is not uncommon in such contexts. While some viewed Kohli’s actions as standard mind games, others questioned whether such tactics cross the line, especially when directed at a young debutant trying to make his mark in the tournament.
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