A light-hearted moment unfolded during the intense IPL 2024 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this Sunday, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The incident, featuring Virat Kohli’s imitation of WWE star The Undertaker’s iconic ‘slit throat’ gesture towards KKR’s opener Sunil Narine, has since gone viral on social media platforms.
The playful exchange occurred right before the start of the match. Kohli, known for his charismatic and sometimes cheeky on-field persona, took a humorous approach to distract his opponent. He started warming up as if he was going to bowl the first over, cleverly deceiving not only Narine but also the crowd. After handing his captain’s hat to the umpire for a routine check, his actions were initially perceived as his entry into bowling. However, it soon became evident that it was a jest when he flashed the ‘slit throat’ gesture, a move made famous by The Undertaker in WWE, thereby sparking laughter amongst the spectators and players alike, including Narine.
This amusing preamble was part of a day already rife with anticipation, as RCB announced three strategic changes to their playing XI. Cameron Green was brought in to replace Reece Topley, Karn Sharma took over from Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Mohammed Siraj returned, replacing Shivam Chauhan. These adjustments highlighted RCB’s tactical mindset, aiming to optimize their lineup against a formidable KKR team.
Faf du Plessis, the skipper of RCB, at the toss shared insights about their approach to the match. Opting to chase, Du Plessis remarked on the conditions of the ground being suitable for chasing scores, a strategy influenced by the environmental factors observed the previous day. “We are bringing back Green, Siraj, and Sharma, hoping to regain momentum and leverage our strong batting lineup,” stated Du Plessis, underlining his confidence in the team’s profound capabilities.
The teams lined up as follows: RCB fielded players including du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, and Mohammed Siraj. KKR’s team comprised Philip Salt (wicketkeeper), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Harshit Rana.
Beyond the intriguing pre-match antics and the strategic shifts within the teams, the match was set to be a gripping encounter between two strong teams in the league. Kohli’s imitation of the wrestling star was a light-hearted highlight that not only entertained fans but also showcased the unique blend of competitive intensity and fun that the IPL is known for. The event underscored how sports, much like entertainment, have the power to unify various elements, bringing together competition, humor, and showmanship on a grand stage. As the match proceeded, fans were not only treated to high-quality cricket but also moments of levity that make long-lasting memories in the world of sports.