Kohli Silences Rathi’s Mind Games with a Smile; Draws a Reaction from Pant

By Kavya Jain 28 May 2025, 08:04 IST

Kohli Silences Rathi’s Mind Games with a Smile

Lucknow Super Giants’ spinner Digvesh Rathi failed in his attempt to play mind games with RCB’s senior batter, Virat Kohli. Kohli’s reaction did not allow Rathi to succeed.

Everyone had their eyes on Virat Kohli and Digvesh Rathi during the RCB vs LSG fixture on Tuesday. The reason behind this awaited moment was that Rathi has a bit of Kohli in him. He is bold, not afraid of consequences, and stands his ground. His notebook celebration has already cost him three fines and a one-match ban.

Kohli’s Unexpected Reaction to Rathi’s Ploys

The rivalry between RCB and LSG goes back to an intense IPL 2023 game. Kohli got into a heated face-off with Naveen-ul-Haq and then LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir. This became one of the most controversial topics in the IPL.
Before the match, the spinner was asked whether he would do his notebook celebration if he dismissed Kohli. He slightly nodded his head, indicating ‘No’. But when the moment came, Rathi gave into his instincts and tried to mess with Kohli’s rhythm.

On the fifth ball of the 11th over, Rathi tried to play mind games on Kohli by abruptly stopping mid-way, hoping it would distract the batter. Kohli foiled his plans and instead responded with a smile. Even LSG skipper Rishabh Pant could not hide a twisted smile.

This wasn’t Kohli’s only reaction to Rathi’s schemes. The spinner attempted a Mankad on RCB’s stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma. Kohli was not impressed with Rathi’s attempt to run out Jitesh on the non-striker’s end. He almost threw the bottle in the dressing room in frustration.

Rathi Goes Wicketless as Kohli, Jitesh Power RCB to Record-Breaking Win

Digvesh Rathi went wicketless for 36 in four overs in his last match this IPL season. Kohli, on the other hand, scored 54 off 33 balls, which helped RCB’s chase their highest ever total. They completed the 228 run chase and finished No. 2 on the points table.

After Kohli’s dismissal, stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma took charge, smashing an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls with eight fours and five sixes.

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