IPL 2024: Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma warm hearts with light-hearted on-field banter in RCB vs DC clash

The legendary Virat Kohli engaged in a light-hearted banter with former India teammate Ishant Sharma during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Delhi Capitals (DC) clash on Sunday, May 12, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Videos of the two Delhi cricketers showing great camaraderie in the crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 face-off won the hearts of cricket enthusiasts.

After stand-in DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and elected to field first, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis was dismissed in the third over. Ishant Sharma, who had started the innings, came on to bowl the fourth over and had Kohli taking strike. The first ball saw the former India captain getting a streaky boundary, as he edged one wide of wicketkeeper Abhishek Porel. Kohli seemed to indicate to the right-arm pacer to keep a slip in place. In the next delivery, the Orange Cap holder smashed a no-look six over wide long-on, a shot that could crush the morale of any world-class bowler.

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After the first two balls went for 10 runs, Ishant bowled a dot and a wide before getting the 35-year-old got caught behind. As Kohli turned back and started walking away, Ishant playfully blocked his road. The talismanic batter had his head down and sported a wry smile.

Later, in the closing stages of the second innings, Ishant walked out to bat at the fall of the ninth wicket and was greeted with a round of applause from Kohli. Both of them were seen laughing and enjoying their time on the field.

RCB stay afloat in IPL 2024 with a resounding win against DC

The Royal Challengers put on a decent total of 187/9 at the high-scoring M Chinnaswamy Stadium after Rajat Patidar hit a 32-ball 52. Will Jacks and Cameron Green also played well and the hosts were looking set for a 200-plus total. However, five wickets fell in the last three overs to deter their progress.

In reply, Delhi lost four wickets for 30 runs in the fourth over and were in dire straits. Shai Hope and Axar Patel put on a 56-run stand in a bid to steady the ship but the former lost his wicket after getting set. Axar scored a 39-ball 57 but didn't get much support from the lower-order batters and the visitors eventually lost by 47 runs.

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RCB moved to No. 5 on the points table after winning their fifth consecutive game. They have six wins and seven losses from 13 games till now. Meanwhile, DC also have a similar win-loss record but an inferior net run rate (NRR) sees them being placed at No. 6. RCB's chances of progressing to the playoffs are looking bright at the moment. However, DC are all but out of the competition and need a miracle to go beyond the league stage.