[Watch] 'Tu Malinga Bana Hua Hai!': Virat Kohli's Hilarious Banter with Shakib Al Hasan on Day 2
Virat Kohli & Shakib Al Hasan engaged in a funny banter (X)
In a match where India’s bowlers shone brightly and took control, an amusing exchange between Virat Kohli and Shakib Al Hasan stole the show, giving fans a light-hearted moment amid the intensity of Test cricket. The moment, captured by the stump mic on Day 2 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, went viral as Kohli playfully referred to Shakib as ‘Malinga’, known for his devastating yorkers.
IND vs BAN: Kohli Playfully Compared Shakib to Malinga
After India had dismissed Bangladesh for a paltry 149 in response to their first-innings total of 376, the hosts, already leading by 227 runs, came out to bat again. With the departure of the openers, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill took the reins to steady the ship.
But while Kohli was at the non-striker’s end during the 15th over, Shakib Al Hasan unleashed a barrage of yorkers, catching the Indian star by surprise.
In true Kohli fashion, he couldn’t resist taking a dig. "Tu Malinga bana hua hai, Yorker pe Yorker de raha hai!" Kohli quipped, comparing Shakib’s precision to that of Lasith Malinga, who once had batters quaking in their boots with his toe-crushing deliveries.
The comment, heard clearly through the stump mic, not only sparked laughter on the field but also among cricket fans online. Shakib Al Hasan burst into laughter, taking Kohli’s playful jab in stride.
It was a moment that showcased the camaraderie between the two experienced campaigners, reminding fans that cricket, while fierce, also has its fair share of humour. Kohli’s cheeky remark – “You’re my Mali!” – added to the fun, but little did the Indian talisman know that his innings was about to be cut short.
Kohli's Poor Run Of Form Continues
Soon after his witty exchange, Kohli’s stay at the crease was abruptly ended by Shakib’s spin partner, Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Kohli, attempting to defend a straightforward off-spinner, found himself trapped LBW, with umpire Richard Kettleborough raising his finger without hesitation.
Kohli, after a brief consultation with Gill, opted not to review the decision. However, replays later showed that he had a lifeline, as UltraEdge revealed a faint spike when the ball passed the bat. It was a missed opportunity that could’ve seen Kohli carry on, but alas, fortune wasn’t on his side.
Kohli’s dismissal for 17 off 37 balls marked another early exit, continuing a patch of form that he would no doubt want to leave behind. His first-innings performance had also been short-lived, as Hasan Mahmud had sent him packing for just six.
Yet, despite Kohli’s struggles, India remained in the driver’s seat, their formidable first-innings lead putting them well ahead of the game.
At the close of Day 2, India had reached 81/3 in their second innings, swelling their lead to an a mssive 308 runs. With the ball now in Bangladesh’s court, the visitors are staring down the barrel, needing a miracle to save the Test.