In a display of camaraderie between former teammates, Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli, the Delhi Capitals pacer humorously dismissed Kohli during an IPL 2024 fixture against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Facing Kohli in the fourth over of the first innings, Ishant bowled a short delivery that induced an outside edge, resulting in a catch by the wicketkeeper. After removing Kohli for 27 runs off 13 balls, Ishant playfully pushed him with his body, evoking a smile from the RCB batter. This jovial interaction highlighted their close bond and friendly rivalry on the cricket field.
Kohli, who has been in exceptional form this season, had been facing questions about his selection for the T20 World Cup prior to the IPL. However, he has silenced his critics with exceptional performances, leading the Orange Cap race with 643 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 153.82, including one century and five half-centuries.
Speaking about his approach to batting this season, Kohli emphasized the importance of quality over quantity, particularly at this stage of his career. He highlighted that his understanding of the game allows him to practice less but remain mentally engaged, while also focusing on improving specific aspects of his technique. One such improvement has been the introduction of the slog sweep shot against spinners, which has enabled him to take more risks and expose the offside of the field.
This incident between Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli showcased their remarkable friendship, bringing a lighthearted moment to an intense IPL match. It serves as a testament to the camaraderie that exists among players despite the competitive nature of the game.
