In a light-hearted yet memorable moment during the first Test match between India and Bangladesh at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Virat Kohli playfully took a jab at Bangladesh’s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan by invoking the name of Sri Lankan pace legend, Lasith Malinga. This humorous exchange, caught on the stump mic, quickly went viral, lighting up social media and drawing reactions from fans and cricket legends alike.
As Kohli faced a barrage of yorkers from Shakib during India’s second innings, he compared the Bangladesh spinner to Malinga, who is renowned for his deadly accuracy with yorkers. The Indian star was heard saying, “Malinga bana hua hai, yorker pe yorker de raha hai” (You’ve become Malinga, bowling yorker after yorker). The comment not only entertained spectators but also evoked a reaction from Lasith Malinga himself, who took the sledge in stride, acknowledging the banter with amusement.
This interaction happened during Day 2 of the match, which saw India on top after a dominant performance. India had posted 376 runs in their first innings, largely thanks to strong contributions from R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Bangladesh, on the other hand, struggled with the bat and was dismissed for 149. Kohli’s playful banter came at a moment when he was facing Shakib in India’s second innings, where Shakib surprised the Indian camp by consistently bowling yorkers.
While Kohli’s witty remark may have lightened the atmosphere, his own performance with the bat was less eventful. After being dismissed for only six runs in the first innings, his second innings saw him depart after scoring just 17. Despite this, Kohli’s sense of humor and the fun exchange with Shakib added an entertaining layer to the match.
What made the moment even more special was Malinga’s reaction to the banter. Known for his iconic slinging action and toe-crushing yorkers, Malinga is widely regarded as one of the best limited-overs bowlers in cricket history. Having retired from international cricket, he now enjoys such moments from the sidelines, and his reaction added to the excitement of fans who fondly remember his contributions to the game.
This is not the first time Kohli has been involved in witty exchanges on the field. The Indian batter is known for his fiery spirit and competitive nature, often engaging in verbal duels with opponents. However, this instance stood out because of its humorous tone and the nostalgic mention of a cricketing legend like Malinga.
The incident also highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among top cricketers. While Kohli’s sledging may seem like an attempt to get under Shakib’s skin, it’s clear that these exchanges are often in good humor, reflecting the mutual admiration that players from different teams have for one another.
In a sport often marked by intense rivalries and serious competition, moments like these remind fans of the lighter side of cricket. The Kohli-Shakib exchange, combined with Malinga’s reaction, provided a refreshing break from the high-pressure environment of international Test cricket, offering fans and players alike something to smile about.
As the series progresses, both India and Bangladesh will undoubtedly be focused on the task at hand, but this playful interaction will be remembered as one of the more amusing highlights of the match.