Star Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar has said that he made a proper one-bounce throw while fielding against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but Marcus Stoinis at the other end got confused and that is when Virat Kohli stared at him, beginning the start of a frosty exchange.
The incident saw Kohli lose his temper before confronting Brar, who has now opened up about what transpired.
Speaking on the Punjab Kings podcast, Brar recalled that dismissing Kohli during an IPL 2023 clash remains one of his favourite cricketing memories. He shed light on the heated exchange from last Sunday as well, explaining that a throw from the field had upset Kohli.
“I always feel blessed that I played well against him. That wicket is a huge memory for me. It was an
afternoon game and the captain had asked us to make one-bounce throws,” Brar said.
“Everyone was doing it and Virat said nothing to anyone. I made a proper throw, but Marcus Stoinis got confused. He took a step back because he was not sure whether to catch it directly or after one bounce,” Brar added.
“That is when Virat looked at me,” Brar said.
Brar added that while fielding at point, he could feel Kohli staring at him from the non-striker’s end. But instead of making eye contact, the former chose to look away, hoping the tension would ease once the over ended.
“I thought once the over ended, he would forget about it. But no. When I was about to start my run-up, he came to me and said, ‘It has been 20 years.’ I told him, ‘You’re taking it the wrong way,” Brar said.
“I did not throw it intentionally. We were just trying to reverse the ball so it would help in the death overs.’ Eventually, though, the game never even went till the death overs,” Brar added.
