The preceding Test series was replete with high-intensity moments, with verbal duels between players, caught on stump mic, being a regular feature of the encounter. On the third day of the series-decider, tempers flared in the Indian camp when Dean Elgar survived an lbw appeal, with Kohli and R Ashwin separately walking up to the stump mic to voice their displeasure. Kohli’s actions, in particular, did not go down well with many, but there was no official sanction from the match referee after the end of the game.

His decision to relinquish the Test captaincy brought an end to a near seven-year-long leadership stint across formats, with KL Rahul standing in for Rohit Sharma, the newly-appointed white-ball captain, for the ODI series. Kohli, though, was his usual expressive self on the field, having a go at Temba Bavuma during the South Africa skipper’s knock of 110.

Off the fourth ball of the 36th over of South Africa’s innings, Bavuma swatted a turning Yuzvendra Chahal delivery to short cover, where Virat Kohli was stationed. The former India captain hurled the ball back in a flash, firing it at Bavuma, who was attempting to get back into the crease. The throw forced Bavuma to take evasive measures, with the South Africa batter turning towards Kohli right after and gesturing as if to question the direction of the throw.

Kohli was then seen walking towards Bavuma, and while the conversation wasn’t audible, the two appeared to be involved in an animated chat. Bavuma, though, didn’t seem to engage much, with the situation diffusing thereafter.

Bavuma, then on 78, went on to score his second ODI hundred, combining with Rassie van der Dussen for a 206-run stand. South Africa eventually won the game by 31 runs.

Words exchange between Virat and Temba Bavuma pic.twitter.com/YpOCJFzIEC

— Rajwardhan🇮🇳 (@im_Rajwardhan) January 19, 2022