An interesting incident involving KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma unfolded during the third ODI between the India National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team on Saturday, December 6.
The ODI series finale between KL Rahul-led India and Temba Bavuma-led South Africa is currently underway at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
KL Rahul Ignores Virat Kohli on the Field
Rahul was handed the responsibility to lead Team India in the three-match ODI series against the Proteas after skipper Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer were ruled out due to their respective injuries.
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KL Rahul brings a plethora of leadership experience with him, having led multiple teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as Team India in the past.
Most of his decisions on the field have been good throughout the series, and he even ended India’s toss curse in ODIs, winning the toss in the third ODI in Vizag. It was the first toss that India won in 21 attempts in ODI cricket.
Ahead of the commencement of the South Africa ODIs, Rahul had said that he would be supported well by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja while captaining the team.
However, when Kohli came up with some advice for Rahul during the third game, he was in no mood to pay heed to it and simply ignored the legendary skipper.
The incident happened in the 45th over when Kuldeep Yadav was bowling to the tailenders, and Virat Kohli urged Rahul to have two slips.
After listening to Kohli’s words, Rahul instructed him to take his position on the field. He then asked Rohit to come forward and passed on a cheeky smile to him.
KL Rahul Snubs Virat Kohli, Shares Cheeky Smile With Rohit Sharma:
Virat kohli asked for 2nd slip
Kl Rahul : Jaa udhar Baith naaa 😭😭
No one respect the opinion of Virat kohli man.
That laugh of KL looking at Rohit after sending Kohli Back was so hilarious.pic.twitter.com/oSKtYKABdW
— `S.🚀 (@ThodaSaSanskari) December 6, 2025
Yeah, that’s most pleasing thing about the series is how we’ve been able to hold our nerve – KL Rahul
Speaking after India’s win over the Proteas, KL Rahul said that he was pleased to see the way the Indian players were able to hold their nerves. He asserted:
“(Happy with the series?) Yeah, that’s most pleasing thing about the series is how we’ve been able to hold our nerve and how we’ve been able to handle the pressure. In all the games, the batters from South Africa have been able to come in with that sort of an intent to come and put our bowlers under pressure.
“And the bowlers have really held their nerve. One result that didn’t go our way. But like I said, in the toss, we’re not really upset or not really thinking too much about it. Because I think the stuff that we’ve been doing, the planning that we’ve done and the processes that they’ve followed and they’ve been consistent with that. So, today was one instance where doing the same thing paid off.”
