'Who is this guy?': Virat Kohli's reaction on 'impact player' Musheer Khan goes viral

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into their first Indian Premier League final since 2016 with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in a lopsided Qualifier 1 on Thursday. Punjab’s ultra-aggressive approach proved costly as the home side was skittled out for just 101 in 14.1 overs. RCB, still chasing their maiden IPL title despite making the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, made short work of the modest target. Phil Salt led the charge with a blistering 56 not out off 27 balls, taking the team home in just 10 overs.


With a near-flawless performance, RCB advanced to the title clash scheduled in Ahmedabad on June 3. Punjab Kings, who returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2014, will have another shot at making the final in Qualifier 2 on June 1, also in Ahmedabad.

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The match, however, wasn't without controversy.

RCB’s star batter Virat Kohli , who was visibly pumped up throughout the game—celebrating each Punjab Kings wicket and the team’s victory—faced criticism for an alleged inappropriate remark towards debutant Musheer Khan .


The incident occurred when 20-year-old Musheer, playing his first IPL match as an Impact Substitute, walked out to bat.

Kohli was seen gesturing something from the field, and was reportedly heard calling Musheer a ‘water-boy’, referencing the youngster having carried drinks earlier in the innings.

The gesture and remark sparked a major debate on social media.


Some fans online claimed that Kohli said, “Ye paani pilata hai” (“This guy carries drinks”) as Musheer prepared to face his first delivery.

Virat Kohli saying "Ye to Paani pilata hai" to young Musheer Khan.

What a shameless person he is still laughing even after saying. 😭😭 https://t.co/usrMJ2NGiz

— Shana⁴⁵ (@shana45__) May 30, 2025

Virat goes to Premanand Maharaj ji's ashram, Virat has moved towards spirituality but Still Virat could not understand that spirituality does not teach us to insult anyone, Yesterday Musheer Khan made his debut. Virat saying
"He gives water" @imVkohli @AnushkaSharma #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/TMBHQm71ro

— SoundSoulFbd (@soundsoul_fbd) May 30, 2025

In this video virat just said that, "Ye abhi paani pilaa ke gya tha aur ab batting krne aa gya".
Virat said it in very light manner and he was not insulting musheer.
Then why some accounts are trolling Virat? pic.twitter.com/75N8B2JUqI

— NAYRA (@myyynotebook) May 30, 2025

Thank You for making Musheer's day, Virat bhaiya! 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/ALqSrcZR18

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 21, 2025

My point view on this controversy

Virat Kohli surprise,not demeaning Musheer Khan,when he said, "Ye abhi paani pilaa ke gya tha aur ab batting krne aa gya" as he was surprised to see Musheer transition from serving water to PBKS batters to batting.👀👀 https://t.co/TPqF4JjCpv

— Faruk🐦 (@uf2151593) May 30, 2025

"Look at Virat Kohli at the first slip. Just letting him know that he's a debutant in a pretty big match. He's saying, 'who is this guy?'" Matthew Hayden, who was on-air at the time, remarked as Musheer took guard.

Kohli’s gesture toward Musheer was also caught on camera, prompting Hayden’s comment.

Harsha Bhogle, who was in the commentary box alongside Hayden, added that Musheer could offer a cheeky response of his own. "He might just turn around and say, 'you know my brother, he hit 150 playing for India'," Bhogle said, referencing Musheer’s elder brother Sarfaraz Khan , who has shared the Test dressing room with Kohli.