Virat Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and one of India’s greatest-ever cricketers, recently took a trip down memory lane in a fun segment titled ’18 Calling 18′ on JioHotstar. In conversation with presenter Jatin Sapru, Kohli was shown a rare archival clip from the 2011 IPL season, capturing him at just 22 years old after earning his first-ever Player of the Match award in the league.
The video clip brought back a post-match interview where Kohli explained how he took charge of a crucial run-chase against Delhi Daredevils, allowing Chris Gayle – the big West Indian superstar- to settle in at the other end. Kohli, now older and far more reflective, couldn’t contain his laughter as he watched his younger self confidently narrate his game plan.
As the video played, Kohli listened intently before erupting into laughter at one particular line where he had said:
“That was the plan in the middle so that he (Chris Gayle) could play himself in, and I could go for my shots”
Clearly amused by the idea that he was shielding Chris Gayle, the world’s most destructive T20 batter, Kohli laughed out loud and quipped:
“Chris could play himself in? Waah! Ghalat fehmi dekh lo!”(Look at that misconception!) I don’t even know what I said. You guys brought it here from somewhere… I was just talking nonsense!,” the 36-year-old added.
Following his laughter, Kohli made a more serious observation about how times have changed with social media.
“Since the social media boom, fans have started analysing players’ quotes, which has become way too twisted,” Kohli concluded.
It’s a subtle but telling comment on how athlete statements, no matter how innocent or light-hearted, can be dissected and misrepresented today – something Kohli himself has experienced throughout his career.
Kohli reacting to his first IPL MOTM interview where he talked about being the aggressor while playing with Chris Gayle.
had a good laugh, made fun of himself watching that 14-yr-old interview.
This guy is the funniest of all, man. 😭😭pic.twitter.com/0EOjQf39Ch— K. (@Lifefkdup) April 9, 2025
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Kohli and Gayle’s crucial partnership for RCB during IPL 2011
The memorable game was played at the Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium) in Delhi, where RCB chased down a target of 162 against the then Daredevils (Delhi Capitals now). Kohli, in front of his home crowd, scored a match-winning 56 off 38 balls, smashing 8 fours and 2 sixes. It was only four years after his IPL debut, and it marked a breakthrough moment in his T20 career.
But what made the match extra special was his 82-run second-wicket partnership with Chris Gayle, who had just joined RCB that season. Kohli’s young, aggressive intent combined with Gayle’s experience made for a deadly duo – a pattern that would become one of RCB’s greatest batting strengths over the next few seasons.
Gayle, known as the ‘Universe Boss,’ would go on to become a T20 legend, but during this game, he let Kohli take the spotlight. Gayle scored an unbeaten 26 off 21 balls, playing second fiddle to the younger Kohli. The respect and chemistry between the two laid the foundation for several memorable RCB partnerships in the years that followed.
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