Harpreet Brar Explains The Heated Virat Kohli Exchange During RCB vs PBKS IPL 2026 Clash

Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar has revealed what triggered his tense on-field confrontation with Virat Kohli during the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar has finally broken his silence on the animated exchange with Virat Kohli during the IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The left-arm spinner revealed that the incident started after a throw from the field created confusion involving Marcus Stoinis, eventually drawing an angry reaction from Kohli.

Speaking on the Punjab Kings podcast, Brar explained that the team had been instructed to make one-bounce throws during the afternoon match to help reverse the ball later in the innings.

“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.

ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri Wants 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Fast-Tracked Into India T20 Debut

Marcus Stoinis Confusion Led to Kohli’s Reaction

Brar clarified that there was no intention behind the throw and that Stoinis became unsure while attempting to collect the ball, which seemingly frustrated Kohli from the striker’s end.

“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.

The Punjab Kings spinner further stated that he noticed Kohli repeatedly staring at him while he was fielding at point. Brar avoided eye contact, believing the issue would settle down after the over ended.

Kohli Approached Brar During The Over

However, the tension did not cool down as expected. Brar recalled that Kohli approached him before he started his run-up and confronted him directly regarding the throw.

“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.

ALSO READ | Virat Kohli Praises Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues; Opens Up On Purpose Beyond Records