When Virat Kohli And Temba Bavuma Indulged In A Heated Face-Off
.jpg)
Kohli made a questionable throw at Bavuma (screengrab)
Virat Kohli and Temba Bavuma may not be a match on cricketing abilities but the latter was certainly up for the fight and stood his ground when the Indian legend indulged in mind games and sledging tactics with him during the 2022 three-match ODI series played in South Africa.
The Proteas stalwart and the Indian maestro had a serious verbal altercation during the opening One-Day International of the series played in Paarl. The heated face-off was the latest episode of the continuous jeering between the two cricketers, which started during the Test series played earlier on India's tour.
As the incident unfolded, Bavuma gave Kohli a stare and threw words at the perennially expressive Indian cricketer after the latter had made a debatable throw with the ball on his body.
When Kohli And Bavuma Collided
The confrontation took place as Kohli's aim for the stumps ended up hurting Bavuma, who would've wondered why the throw was made in the first place since he was already inside the crease and standing in front of the three sticks.
The incident is from the 36th over of the South African innings where the well-set South African captain struck leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal towards the short cover region. The ball went straight to Kohli before the Indian great made a questionable throw at the stumps despite Bavuma being in the way.
Nothing untoward happened because of the throw but Kohli's ill-directed attempt to dislodge the stumps ruffled Bavuma's feathers as the South African player said something nasty towards the Indian cricketer and was responded to by Kohli in equal measure.
Thankfully, the two regained their composure and the matter didn't escalate any further as they focused on their playing duties. While Bavuma went on to make a brilliant hundred in the first half, Kohli struck a freeflowing half-century during the run-chase.
 "Kashish Chadha")
