(Video) ‘Furious’ Virat Kohli confronts Khaleel Ahmed for unnecessary sledging during intense CSK-RCB clash: “Ab tu aa!”

RCB star Virat Kohli angrily confronted CSK bowler Khaleel Ahmed for his antics during a heated IPL 2025 encounter between the two sides.

(Video) ‘Furious’ Virat Kohli confronts Khaleel Ahmed for unnecessary sledging during intense CSK-RCB clash: “Ab tu aa!”

Virat Kohli angry on Khaleel Ahmed (via X)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star and the IPL’s highest run-scorer, Virat Kohli, lashed out at Chennai Super Kings bowler Khaleel Ahmed for his unnecessary sledging during the intense match between the two sides. The 36-year-old veteran batter warned Ahmed for his actions at the end of the match. 

Virat Kohli has never shied away from expressing his emotions and reactions on the pitch against any opponent. Kohli most recently flared up in the presence of ex-Indian captain and CSK talisman MS Dhoni. At the end of the high-octane IPL 2025 clash between RCB and CSK at Chepauk, the former RCB skipper expressed his frustration with opposition pacer Khaleel Ahmed.

YouTube video

The feud between the two players started in the third over of the match. Kohli, who had come out to open the innings for RCB, stepped up to face Ahmed. The left-arm pacer bowled a sharp bouncer, which was angled outside. Kohli, however, failed to judge the ball due to its extra bounce, as it went past the top edge of his bat and landed into the keeper’s hands.

Both Kohli and Ahmed then walked up to each other and exchanged death stares, something that left the former unhappy. The 36-year-old was already agitated at Ahmed for an earlier incident in the same over. Ahmed started celebrating Kohli’s wicket off a ball that he bowled to the batter’s pads despite the umpire having denied the appeal. It later turned out that Ahmed’s ball had pitched outside leg.

Kohli could, however, only score 31 runs off 30 balls, falling to young spinner Noor Ahmad. Meanwhile, Ahmed ended with good figures of 1/28 in his four-over spell. Despite Kohli’s poor outing, CSK went on to suffer a humiliating defeat at the end, with RCB winning by a margin of 50 runs. Post-match, Kohli had an angry exchange with Ahmed, as the latter approached to shake hands.

In a video that went viral on social media, Kohli seemed to threaten and scold the 27-year-old pacer and warn him to look out the next time they faced each other. Khaleel was looking to explain his side of the story, but it was of no avail. Prior to that, Kohli was having a jolly conversation with Indian teammate Ravindra Jadeja. However, he immediately turned serious upon seeing Ahmed. 

Meanwhile, Dhoni was right behind Kohli when the angry confrontation between the two players unfolded. Nonetheless, RCB has now made it to the top of the IPL 2025 table, having won both their opening encounters. The other victory came against defending champions KKR. 

Ravi Shastri backs Khaleel Ahmed for an Indian team spot after strong CSK showing

Ex-India coach-turned commentator Ravi Shastri endorsed underrated left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed following his impressive CSK showing. He strongly backed the 27-year-old for a spot in the Indian T20I team after he scalped four wickets in his opening two IPL matches. 

Khaleel Ahmed Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri backed CSK star Khaleel Ahmed for a spot in the Indian T20I team. (via NDTV Sports)

Ahmed was bought by CSK in the 2025 IPL auction for INR 4.8 crores. He has impressed with the new ball, making a solid start with a three-wicket haul against MI in the opening match. He also troubled the RCB batters in the second match, which led to Shastri backing him strongly. Shastri stated that Ahmed should be considered as a potential candidate by the Indian selectors.

I feel Khaleel Ahmed should be in the thoughts of the Indian selectors.

Ravi Shastri on CSK pacer Khaleel Ahmed (H/T Crixtacy)

Meanwhile, Khaleel has already played 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is, with his last appearance being against Sri Lanka in 2024. In for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup, he would, however, face fierce competition from the likes of Harshit Rana, Harshal Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, and others.