In a touching display of sportsmanship and mentorship in the IPL, Punjab Kings (PBKS) youngster Musheer Khan expressed heartfelt gratitude after receiving a special gift from cricket legend Virat Kohli. Following PBKS’s clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, April 20, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, Kohli presented one of his bats to the young talent—an act that left the budding cricketer overwhelmed with joy.
A Clash of Titans at Mullanpur
The match itself was a closely contested affair between two sides looking to gain crucial points in the playoff race. Asked to bat first, Punjab Kings struggled to build a formidable total, eventually posting 157/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Prabhsimran Singh provided a fiery start at the top with a quickfire 33 off just 17 deliveries, but the middle-order failed to capitalize on the momentum. RCB’s bowling unit kept the pressure on, with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma sharing four wickets between them and delivering tight spells to stifle the PBKS innings.
Kohli and Padikkal Steer RCB to Victory
RCB’s chase got off to a shaky start with opener Phil Salt departing early for just 1 run. However, veteran Virat Kohli and the promising Devdutt Padikkal steadied the innings with a brilliant 103-run stand. Padikkal impressed with a classy 61 off 35 deliveries, displaying sharp shot selection and growing confidence against both pace and spin.
Kohli, as calm and composed as ever, anchored the innings with a masterclass in chasing, finishing unbeaten on 73 off 54 balls. His knock included a mix of classic cover drives, smart singles, and powerful sixes, guiding RCB to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.
Musheer Khan’s Special Moment
While the game’s outcome tilted in RCB’s favor, it was what happened after the match that caught everyone’s attention. PBKS’ young recruit Musheer Khan, who is yet to debut in the IPL, had a memorable interaction with Kohli. The former Indian captain, known for encouraging youngsters and being generous with his advice and gear, gifted Musheer one of his prized bats.
Musheer Khan took to Instagram shortly after the match to express his feelings, sharing a photo of the gifted bat along with a heartfelt caption:
“A million thanks for the bat and Virat bhaiya & a billion for the love.”
The gesture underscores the powerful influence senior players like Kohli have in inspiring and guiding the next generation of cricketers. For Musheer, acquired by PBKS for INR 30 lakhs in the 2025 mega auction, receiving the bat marks a meaningful moment in his journey—one that will stay with him for years to come.
The Road Ahead
Though Musheer Khan is yet to make his IPL debut, his presence in the squad and recognition by one of the game’s greats speaks volumes about his potential. Punjab Kings will be keen to bring fresh talent into play as the tournament progresses, especially with playoff spots on the line.
RCB’s victory pushed them up to third place on the points table, taking their tally to 10 points from eight games. With the competition heating up, every victory counts, and RCB will be banking on Kohli’s consistency and leadership to take them further into the tournament.
For Musheer Khan, Kohli’s gifted bat is more than a gesture—it’s a powerful symbol of faith. In the IPL, where dreams take flight under the spotlight, this moment could be the spark that fuels a bright and promising career.
