Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock against Punjab Kings on Sunday, helping Royal Challengers Bangalore maintain their perfect away record in IPL 2025. Kohli remained unbeaten on 73 off 54 balls in the chase, guiding RCB to a comfortable 7-wicket win with 7 deliveries to spare, chasing down the 157-run target. However, the post-match scenes drew attention as Kohli’s celebration seemed to tease PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, sparking a tense moment between the two.
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As Kohli walked over for the customary handshake, there was a clear lack of warmth from Iyer. Still chuckling, Kohli attempted to lighten the mood, but Iyer remained stone-faced, engaging in a tense conversation that suggested he wasn’t too pleased with the celebration. Despite the cold reception, Kohli didn’t react strongly, maintaining his chuckle before moving on to greet the other players.
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NEWS IN DETAILS
The IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday was filled with drama, not just on the field but also in the post-match interactions between two Indian cricket stars, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. While Kohli’s brilliant performance with the bat helped RCB maintain their perfect away record, the incident that caught everyone’s attention happened after the game, during the post-match handshake.
Kohli, as usual, was in a lively and animated mood after his match-winning knock of 73 runs off 54 balls, which guided RCB to a comfortable 157-run target with seven wickets in hand. He was seen celebrating in his usual fashion, pumping up his teammates and fans in the stadium. However, what made this celebration stand out was his direction — Kohli seemed to tease PBKS skipper, Shreyas Iyer, who was standing nearby.
The two cricketers have shared a strong bond over the years, both on and off the field, having played together for India on numerous occasions. Fans have often enjoyed the camaraderie between Kohli and Iyer, which has been built over time with mutual respect and understanding. Their friendly gestures and playful exchanges have been a highlight of many international matches. But Sunday’s encounter took a different turn.
When the match ended and the two teams came together for the customary post-match handshake, the interaction between the two Indian stars seemed unusually tense. Iyer, who had been part of a losing side despite some good individual performances, did not appear to share the warmth usually seen between him and Kohli. As Kohli walked over, his bright smile and chuckles were a stark contrast to Iyer’s stone-faced demeanor. There was a noticeable lack of the usual camaraderie. Kohli, still caught up in the excitement of the win, attempted to break the tension by chuckling and lightening the mood, perhaps even trying to turn the situation into a bit of a joke. However, Iyer wasn’t having any of it. He stood firm, offering a handshake but no smile, clearly not amused by Kohli’s earlier celebration.
This moment immediately caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. Iyer’s serious response to Kohli’s playful teasing left many questioning what might have been going on behind the scenes. After all, these two players, who are teammates in the Indian national team, have shared many memorable moments together. The lack of warmth in their interaction raised eyebrows, especially after Kohli’s earlier teasing during the match celebration, which seemed like a harmless attempt to share a laugh. However, Iyer’s response, which seemed more restrained and slightly cold, suggested that he did not appreciate the gesture.
Despite the tension, Kohli didn’t let it bother him. He continued to smile and maintain his positive energy, greeting the other players from both teams as he moved on from the handshake with Iyer. Kohli, known for his passion and fiery on-field attitude, has often shown that he does not let moments like this affect him for long. For him, it was just another post-match routine, even if the atmosphere was a bit different than usual. He quickly moved on, as did the rest of the players, but the brief tension between the two leaders remained the topic of discussion among fans and analysts.
It’s worth noting that this wasn’t a major altercation but rather a small moment that showed a shift in their usual friendly bond. The pressure of the game, along with the competitive nature of IPL, could have contributed to the awkwardness. Both players have a lot at stake in this season, with their respective teams struggling in the middle of the points table. In the world of high-intensity cricket like the IPL, even small moments like this can grab attention, especially when it involves two big personalities like Kohli and Iyer.
In conclusion, while Kohli and Iyer have always maintained a good relationship over the years, this incident shows that sometimes even the best of friends can have moments of tension. The post-match handshake, which is typically a symbol of respect and sportsmanship, turned into a brief, uncomfortable exchange that highlighted the competitive spirit of the IPL. However, Kohli didn’t let the situation affect him much, continuing to enjoy his team’s success, while Iyer, despite his displeasure, will likely use the moment as fuel to bounce back in future games. This small moment of tension will likely be forgotten soon, but it serves as a reminder that cricket is not just about the action on the field but also the personalities and dynamics between players.
