Credit: IPL
Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Kumar Kartikeya has denied rumours of animosity with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting icon Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game held between the two sides in Jaipur on April 13. Kartikeya and Kohli were seen having a misunderstanding with each other which resulted in the 36-year-old’s glare to the youngster. RCB crushed RR by nine wickets in the game held on Saturday and bagged their fourth win in the tournament. Kohli, along with Phil Salt, put up effective batting performances and played an effective role in his team’s comprehensive win.
During the ninth over of the match, Kartikeya got the better of Salt following which Kohli was spotted staring at the RR youngster for celebrating the England batter's wicket. However, after the game, Kartiekaya confirmed they both didn’t wrangle with each other in fact, it was Kohli that came to the spinner and commended his bowling. "Actually jab unhone (Salt) chakka mara toh Virat bhai ne chillake 'Come On' bola, toh maine unko dekha, unhone mujhe dekha. Maine us time pe kuch nahi bola, phir jab maine out kiya toh maine hath upar karke 'Come On' bola toh unhone peeche mudke dekha. Toh maine kaha, 'bhaiya, aapko nahi bol raha hoon'. Tab unhone aake mera hath milaya ki 'theek hai, well bowled” said Kartikeya after the match.
RR to take on Delhi Capitals in Delhi on April 16
RR’s next contest will be against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 16. Against the Challengers at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the hosts looked out of rhythm in all departments of the game. The Pink Army will be expected to work on their frailty and bounce back against Delhi.
DC, who were the only unbeaten side before their contest until Saturday evening, lost their first game in the tournament against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Chasing a target of 206 runs, DC got folded on 193 runs with one over to spare in the match.
