In the electrifying sixth clash of the IPL 2024 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), Virat Kohli once again demonstrated why he remains one of cricket’s most formidable forces. His stellar performance not only propelled RCB to victory but also etched another milestone in his illustrious career. However, it wasn’t just Kohli’s on-field brilliance that had fans buzzing but also his razor-sharp retort to veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle during the post-match presentation that set social media ablaze.
A stellar fifty by Virat Kohli
Kohli’s innings, marked by a brilliant half-century (77 runs off 49 deliveries), not only secured RCB’s maiden win of the season but also saw him enter the record books as the only Indian cricketer to score 100 fifty-plus scores in T20 cricket. Yet, it was his exchange with Bhogle that stole the spotlight and captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
The stage was set as Kohli was called to receive the ‘Player of the Match’ award and the orange cap for being the leading run-scorer of the tournament thus far. Bhogle, known for his insightful commentary, couldn’t resist probing Kohli about his performance and support from fans.
Kohli’s savage response to Harsha Bhogle
Without missing a beat, Kohli unleashed a volley of witty responses, starting with a sly dig at Bhogle over the slow strike-rate remark he had made about Kohli ahead of the IPL. In his response, Kohli bluntly mentioned that he doesn’t plays for stats and numbers.
“People talk about a lot of other things when you play sport — achievement, stats, numbers. “But when you look back, it’s the memories you create as Rahul bhai (Dravid) always tells us that this time will not come back. “The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing,” said Kohli.
Kohli takes jibe at Kevin Pietersen
Kohli then went on to take a jibe at Kevin Pietersen‘s suggestion that he should be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad to promote the game globally. Kohli, with characteristic confidence, affirmed his prowess in the shortest format, asserting that he still possesses the skills required to excel at the highest level.
“I know my name is just attached to promoting the game in many parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket, but still got it I guess,” said Kohli
Also WATCH: Fan breaches security to hug Virat Kohli and touch his feet during RCB vs PBKS clash in M Chinnaswamy
‘I don’t play for caps…’: Kohli’s blunt response to Bhogle
The former RCB skipper didn’t stop here and returned to Bhogle when the presenter remarked about the orange cap that truly showcased his focus and determination. Dismissing personal accolades, Kohli emphasized his commitment to team success above all else. He stated that for him, wearing the orange cap wasn’t about individual glory but rather about contributing to RCB’s victories.
“I don’t play for caps and all to be honest,” he said. “It’s, for me, an opportunity to help my team. That’s the only thing that I have given to Indian cricket, to RCB. And that’s the promise I can give here. Not probably the orange cap, but I’ll keep turning up and keep trying my best. That’s it,” said Kohli.
Fans react to Kohli’s witty responses
The exchange resonated deeply with fans, who hailed Kohli’s candidness and wit. In an era where athletes often deliver rehearsed responses, Kohli’s unfiltered retort was a breath of fresh air, reflecting his authenticity and passion for the game.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
They call it “One of the Greatest Interview of Virat Kohli” ❤️🤝
I call it “The Legendary Interview of all time of Virat Kohli” 💥
It’s all yours (Orange Cap) – Harsha Bhogle 👏#ViratKohli #RCBvsPBKS #RCBvPBKS #DineshKarthik #IPL2024pic.twitter.com/uEP7rjDd4l
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) March 26, 2024
That embarrassing smile on Harsha Bhogle’s face & smirk on Virat Kohli’s face after owning him. THIS IS CINEMA pic.twitter.com/jMDMn0eAWk
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) March 26, 2024
Post Match Interview of Virat Kohli 🫡
Watch how he bodied the ” Noise of Cricket ” Harsha Bhogle 👇🏻#RCBvPBKS #ViratKohli #TejRan #TATAIPL2024pic.twitter.com/I7mktrJyTO
— OG Viratian 👑 (@ViratianMJ18) March 26, 2024
Kohli’s facial expression after giving befitting reply to Harsha Bhogle 😝👊#ViratKohli@imVkohli pic.twitter.com/2rCa2ywnsG
— ⋆✰𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞✰⋆ (@TansMe_V) March 26, 2024
Kohli owned Harsha Bhogle.
That it, that’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/QpBuywsa1K— Lokesh Saini🚩 (@LokeshVirat18K) March 25, 2024
Virat Kohli rarely repeats the same word in interviews but today he used words like ‘stats’ ‘numbers’ more than thrice.
I feel pity for bhogle guy got owned with his own words 😭pic.twitter.com/eaaf8qLNPP
— ` (@chixxsays) March 25, 2024
Kohli didn’t rattle Harsha Bhogle yesterday. He actually indirectly rattled likes of Ravi Shastri. During the match, someone in the comms mentioned that Ravi Shastri thought Kohli is undroppable from the team because ICC wants to promote the game in USA.pic.twitter.com/ysIIUMFfCr
— Aman (@CricketSatire) March 26, 2024
No RCB fan will pass without liking this post ..
He gave back Harsha Bhogle right on his face 🔥.
He is HIM. He does not need his wife to comment on random Instagram posts.#RCBvsPBKS #DineshKarthik #ViratKohli𓃵 #RCBvPBKS . pic.twitter.com/qHYkK3KqSJ
— 𝑽𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒐🦅 (@Vicenzo_18) March 26, 2024
The greatest post match conversation after the match between Harsha Bhogle and Virat Kohli. He owned Bhogle sweetly 👌🔥 pic.twitter.com/gCAFxOw3wx
— Parijat Mishra (@imPmishra1) March 26, 2024
“My name is just attached to promoting the game but I still have it in me” ~ Virat Kohli.
Bro bodied Harsha bhogle😭 pic.twitter.com/zuWEB2Qtpj
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) March 25, 2024
Virat Kohli just bodied Harsha bhogle right standing in front of him. Classic Kohli ‘Bat does the talking. https://t.co/EDP4HMxVeT
— Yasir hamid (@imYwani) March 25, 2024