Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli faced a penalty. The player got fined for breaking the IPL code. It happened during the match versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Kohli had to pay half his match fees. He argued with umpires after getting out controversially. The dismissal took place at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Virat Kohli faced mere 6 balls but scored 18 unbeaten runs. India pursued a huge 223-run target. Rana caught and bowled Kohli in 3rd over of chase. However, controversy erupted regarding Kohli’s dismissal. It seemed like a very high full toss delivery.
The on-field umpires delegated decision-making authority to third umpire Michael Gough. Kohli was ruled out after a thorough review of the replays and the new technology in place, which measures the ball’s trajectory till the popping crease as well as the batter’s height.
Kohli fumed, arguing extensively about the call. His frustration evident, he shattered a receptacle before exiting. The incident led to a reprimand for his heated actions.
“Mr Virat Kohli, Batter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 36 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 21, 2024.”
“Kohli committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.”
RCB skipper Faf du Plessis received a ₹12 Lakh punishment for sustaining a sluggish over-rate during the match.
Virat Kohli committed offences during the 2023 season as well
Virat Kohli is familiar with breaking conduct rules. His actions led to similar issues before too. During a 2023 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kohli got 10% fine for “aggressive behavior”.
He faced penalties for a field clash with LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. Issues followed with then Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor Gautam Gambhir. That time, he got 100% match fee fine. Ex-cricketer Sunil Gavaskar suggested Kohli suspension.