Fact check: Did Virat Kohli call Musheer Khan a 'water boy' during IPL 2025 qualifier? Viral video sparks online debate

Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star, is also known for his one-liners and taunts on the field for other players apart from his batting skills. Something similar was noticed on Thursday, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on May 29, 2025.

In the middle of the match, King Kohli was seen gesturing something when the 20-year-old Musheer walked out to bat for his IPL debut in Qualifier 1 as an impact substitute; the video of the gesture is now doing the rounds on social media.

The incident took place when Musheer walked in, and Kohli gestured at him, calling him a 'water-boy', referencing that Musheer had carried drinks to teammates a few overs earlier. The moment sparked debate on social media.

Did Virat Kohli taunt the 20-year-old player?

During the ninth over of the innings, when Musheer Khan walked out to bat, Virat Kohli was seen gesturing something at the 20-year-old debut player.

A video from the moment is now making the rounds on the internet, where Virat Kohli is spotted having an animated chat with one of his teammates. As the clip has now gone viral, fans are now claiming that the former India captain referred to Musheer Khan as a 'water-boy', saying, "Ye paani pilata hai."

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

What a shameless person he is still laughing even after saying. ?? pic.twitter.com/usrMJ2NGiz

¡ª Shana??? (@shana45__) May 30, 2025

But what's the fact? Let's find out

Are the claims made by the fans really true? Well, the incident happened when Khan was preparing to face his first delivery. But the moment quickly sparked outrage on social media, saying Kohli was being disrespectful towards a player who was playing his first IPL match.

On the other hand, there are also fans who defended Kohli, saying that he did not insult Khan, as, according to them, the former India captain was just discussing how the young PBKS batter was serving drinks earlier in the match. (However, this claim is not verified yet.)

Musheer Khan has been spotted carrying drinks around during the IPL 2025 season because he hasn't had an opportunity to play. In the major auction, the Mumbai batter was purchased by Punjab Kings for INR 30 lakh, reported HT.

This is Musheer Khan after Virat gifted him his bat last month.

I hope you all know about Sledging in cricket !! pic.twitter.com/kyA3eRYHlw https://t.co/NelVLywujr

¡ª SG ? (@RCBSG30) May 29, 2025

Redditors discuss Virat Kohli's taunt to Musheer Khan

As soon as the video went viral on social media, it quickly became a part of the discussion on Reddit, and some shared their thoughts on the same.

One said, "Man, you guys are absolute clowns. Musheer came as a waterboy during the break and later as an impact sub, which was what Kohli was mentioning to his teammates. Go carry out your agenda somewhere else."

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While another added, "Before any more brainwashed idiots fall for this, Musheer got drinks just a few overs ago.

Kohli most likely meant that just a few minutes ago, the guy who was bringing drinks (and wasn't supposed to bat) had to come and bat now. Go on continue the blind hatred"

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While one said, "This is wrong in my opinion. He is an inspiration for young cricketers and shouldn't say things like this. Musheer has played well and won us matches during the U19 wc. It also means he has no respect for those who bring water to the players. Very disappointing from Virat."

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Virat Kohli's relationship with Musheer Khan

Earlier this IPL season 2025, Virat Kohli had gifted Musheer Khan a bat after the league stage match between PBKS and RCB.

Cedit: X | @IamAMITkumar83

Well, Musheer had then expressed his thanks to the former India captain and shared a post on Instagram saying, "A million thanks for the bat, Virat Bhaiyya."