KL Rahul Rejects Virat Kohli’s Fielding Suggestion, Rohit Sharma Reacts With Laughter in 3rd ODI
KL Rahul’s snappy response to Virat Kohli during the 3rd ODI sparks laughter from Rohit Sharma.
India wrapped up a commanding 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa in the third and final match on Saturday, chasing down 273 with nine wickets and more than ten overs to spare. Stand-in captain KL Rahul oversaw a clinical performance, but it was a brief, sharp exchange with Virat Kohli in the field that instantly became the talking point of the evening and sent social media into a frenzy.
In the 44th over of South Africa’s innings, with the score on 230-9, Kuldeep Yadav trapped Lungi Ngidi lbw to claim the ninth wicket. Kohli, sensing a chance to end the innings quickly, walked towards Rahul and suggested placing two slips for the final two deliveries, aiming to keep the pressure on the last-wicket pair. Rahul, however, had other ideas and dismissed the suggestion with a crisp, stump-mic-clear “Ja baith wahan pe” (“Go and sit there”).
Kohli, momentarily taken aback but clearly amused, turned and jogged back to his position without protest. Rahul then glanced at Rohit Sharma, who was fielding as the lone slip, and the two shared a laugh that was picked up clearly by the microphones. Rohit, in particular, could barely contain his giggles at Kohli being put firmly in his place by the temporary skipper.
The light-hearted moment underscored the relaxed atmosphere in the Indian camp under Rahul’s leadership. This was his 15th outing as stand-in captain since 2021, boasting an impressive record of 12 wins, including previous series triumphs against South Africa (twice), Australia, and Zimbabwe. With regular captain Shubman Gill sidelined by injury, Rahul’s calm authority was on full display both tactically and in handling senior teammates.
Fans and commentators hailed the exchange as a perfect example of mutual respect and camaraderie. Many pointed out that only a player of Kohli’s stature could be dismissed so playfully, and only Rahul’s understated yet firm leadership style could carry it off without any awkwardness. The clip racked up millions of views within hours, with memes and laughter flooding timelines.
As India celebrated a series win built on half-centuries from Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Kohli himself, the “Ja baith wahan pe” moment served as a delightful reminder that beneath the fierce competition, the team remains a tight-knit unit enjoying every second on the field together.
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