Untold Stories of IPL: When Virat Kohli Was Booed and Branded a “Cheater” by Mumbai Crowd in IPL

Booing a player in their own country is a rare and shocking sight in cricket. We all witnessed it in IPL 2024 when Hardik Pandya was relentlessly booed across India after replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain. The hostility he faced was brutal, but what if I told you that something similar happened over a decade ago, to none other than Virat Kohli? Yes, in IPL 2013, one of India’s finest batsmen, Virat Kohli, was booed and called a “cheater” by the Mumbai crowd at Wankhede Stadium during a heated clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. Let’s discover the complete story to know what exactly happened.

27th April 2013: RCB vs MI

It was a thrilling night at the Wankhede Stadium in 2013, as Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru locked horns in a crucial encounter. The atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were high as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma led their respective teams into battle. Batting first, Mumbai Indians got off to a strong start, with Dwayne Smith smashing a brilliant half-century. However, RCB fought back, picking up the crucial wickets of Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma in quick succession.

Just when it looked like Mumbai was in trouble, Kieron Pollard and Dinesh Karthik steadied the ship with a composed partnership. By the end of the 17th over, Mumbai had reached a commanding 168/3, looking set for a big total. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Virat Kohli turned to his trusted bowler, Vinay Kumar. On the first ball of the over, Dinesh Karthik tapped the ball towards mid-off and set off for a quick single. But there was Kohli and quick as lightning, sharp as ever. He collected the ball in a flash and fired a direct hit at the stumps. The crowd roared as the big screen flashed OUT! Karthik was gone.

Out walked Ambati Rayudu, ready to partner Pollard. The very next ball, Pollard pushed the ball towards extra cover and took off for a run. Kohli, standing right there, pounced on the ball and launched another rocket throw and this time at the non-striker’s end. Rayudu scrambled back but collided slightly with Vinay Kumar, who was backing away after the throw. That tiny moment of misfortune proved costly as Rayudu’s bat was in the air when the ball crashed into the stumps. OUT AGAIN! Two run-outs in two balls, both by Kohli.

As RCB erupted in celebration after two stunning run-outs, the mood at Wankhede took a sharp turn. Mumbai fans expected Virat Kohli, the RCB captain, to show sportsmanship and recall Ambati Rayudu, as Vinay Kumar had unintentionally obstructed his return to the crease. But RCB chose to go ahead with the dismissal and the disappointment turned into anger as the Mumbai crowd, furious with the decision, erupted in boos, chanting “Cheater! Cheater!” at Kohli. It was an unexpected moment as RCB players looked around, surprised by the hostility. But Kohli stood firm, unfazed by the noise and the game moved on, but the controversy remained, making it a moment fans would never forget.

How Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar Reacted after the Incident

As Mumbai Indians celebrated their 58-run victory, the mood at Wankhede took a bitter turn for Virat Kohli. When he walked up for the post-match presentation, the crowd began booing loudly, chanting “Cheater! Cheater!”. The reaction, which started during the match, had now reached its peak. Kohli, one of India’s best batsmen, looked visibly disappointed. He had played many matches in front of Indian crowds, but this was different. 

The hostility was unexpected and harsh as Virat took a deep breath, glanced at the crowd, and spoke with frustration. The game had ended, but the emotions from that night would not be forgotten anytime soon. Regarding the reception he received, Virat Kohli went on to criticize the whole Mumbai crowd and targeted them by saying that:

I don’t know what is wrong with people in this venue. It feels a bit weird because at the end of the day you play for India and you don’t come here to be hated. It has happened to a few players in the past as well. I don’t know why they get so worked up during the IPL. IPL is not the end of the world. They forget that the players they are booing for also play for their country. It is only creating hatred among the players. When I come back and play for India, they are going to cheer for me. It doesn’t work that way. “It is very important to have knowledge of cricket. If it was any intentional interruption from the bowler then the umpire would have stopped the batsman [from walking off]. It is his job not mine.”

Virat Kohli also added that the Chinnaswamy Stadium always treats all players well and that the Mumbai Indians crowd should show the same respect to every Indian cricketer. He expressed disappointment over being constantly booed and called a “cheat” by the Wankhede crowd, even during the post-match presentation. Kohli pointed out that in Bangalore, no matter which team wins or loses, Indian players are always appreciated, and captains are never disrespected. He emphasized that good cricket should be acknowledged, regardless of the teams involved.

On the same day, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar shared his perspective in a newspaper column, defending the Mumbai crowd’s passionate response. He praised Mumbai for being a cosmopolitan city with diverse supporters, unlike certain venues where home team fans remain silent when their side struggles but erupt in loud cheers for even the smallest runs by their own players. Gavaskar highlighted that Mumbai has always had a “big heart” and embraces such reactions, as the city has seen many outsiders build successful careers there while not necessarily showing affection for it. The incident sparked debate, with Kohli standing firm on his views, while Gavaskar provided a contrasting take on the Mumbai crowd’s behaviour.