Fast bowler Ishant Sharma achieved a milestone in the sixteen-year history of the IPL by dismissing Virat Kohli for the first time. After Kohli’s dismissal, Ishant Sharma couldn’t resist celebrating with a single cheer. When Ishant Sharma came out to bat, Virat Kohli reciprocated the camaraderie with Ishant.
Having played together for the Indian team for many years, Ishant Sharma, currently out of the Indian team, shares a strong bond with Virat Kohli, who continues to excel in international cricket. Their friendship dates back to their under-17 cricket days. Both veterans have been part of the IPL since its inception in 2008, with Virat representing RCB and Ishant playing for Delhi Capitals.
Their long-standing friendship was evident during the RCB vs. Delhi Capitals match, where they engaged in friendly banter on the field. However, amidst the banter, Ishant managed to dismiss Kohli for the first time in the IPL. As Kohli walked back to the pavilion, Ishant playfully nudged him, a moment captured in a viral video.
In the match, Ishant bowled the first over for Delhi Capitals against RCB. Kohli hit a six off the last ball of Ishant’s over, followed by some banter between the two. Soon after, Ishant got his revenge when a delivery outside off-stump induced an edge off Kohli’s bat, comfortably caught by wicketkeeper Abhishek Porel. As Kohli walked off, Ishant cheekily elbowed him, but Kohli, with a smile and head down, took it in stride.
Kohli was dismissed for a brisk 27 runs off 13 balls. In their friendly exchanges, Kohli affectionately calls Ishant ‘Lambu’ (tall one), while Ishant fondly refers to his mate Virat as ‘Chiku’. The two had been roommates during their under-19 days, further cementing their enduring friendship.