Watch: Virat Kohli was caught on camera giving a foul-mouthed send-off to IPL debutant Rachin Ravindra after the New Zealand all-rounder was dismissed in the opening game of IPL 2024.

Kohli made his comeback after briefly staying away from the game due to the birth of his second child, appearing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. He scored 21 0ff 20 opening the batting with Faf du Plessis, his captaincy predecessor, as RCB lost their top five under 80, but recovered well to post 173-6.

For CSK, newly-appointed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and debutant Ravindra walked out to bat: the latter did not take too long to get into the groove. Feasting on the combination of Mohammad Siraj, Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph, Ravindra raced into his 30s, prompting du Plessis to employ spin right after the powerplay ended.

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Off the fifth ball of leg-spinner Karn Sharma’s first over, Ravindra punished a short-pitched delivery, smashing it over mid-wicket for his third six. Karn had the last laugh, getting Ravindra out next ball, as Ravindra’s attempt to slog sweep only went as far as deep backward square, where Rajat Patidar took a catch.

Kohli, infamous for his aggressive send-offs, was captured giving one to Ravindra, furiously gesturing with his finger and seemingly dropping the f-word on camera. The clip was widely shared on social media, with many questioning his aggression towards a 22-year-old on debut. Ravindra had earlier dismissed Kohli via a sharp relay effort alongside Ajinkya Rahane at the boundary.

RCB eventually suffered a six-wicket loss, with Ravindra’s early onslaught giving them the push in the 174-run chase. Mustafizur Rahman, who picked a four-wicket haul, was named Player of the Match.

Watch: Virat Kohli’s send-off to Rachin Ravindra

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