Top News

Back in 2008, India won the U-19 World Cup under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. Fast forward to 2026, Kohli is regarded by many as the best batter in the world. But the Player of the Match in that final 18 years ago was someone else. That man’s name is Ajitesh Argal.

Sharing the Field with Virat Kohli After 18 Years

Why is that significant in 2026? Because the man who took 2/7 in the final vs South Africa to help India win the title is now an IPL umpire. That’s right, Argal is umpiring in the IPL and during the DC vs RCB game on April 27, he shared the field with Kohli after 18 years.

© X/IPL

Back in Time

Their interaction went viral on the internet and had the fans buzzing on social media. It was like turning back the clock. After RCB beat DC, Kohli was spotted talking with Argal and it made people think back in time to the 2008 World Cup.

How Ajitesh Argal Became an Umpire

In 2008, Argal was picked by PBKS or KXIP as they were then known but never quite made it. After quitting cricket, he worked at the Income Tax Department. Then he passed the BCCI umpiring examination and turned up as an IPL umpire this season.

This same Ajitesh Argal who is the umpire of this match was Kohli's U-19 WC winning teammate. He looks totally different.

— The Prince that was promised (@thenucleardoc) April 27, 2026

Virat Kohli Enters Uncharted Territory

RCB are in 2nd place with six wins and two losses in eight games. There are 30 games left to play. Kohli is fourth on the list of top run-getters this season. He recently became the 1st player to score 9000 IPL runs and hit 800 fours in the competition. If he continues his consistency, he could finish with a 3rd Orange Cap.

Can RCB Win IPL 2026?

Kohli was part of the side that won a maiden IPL title in 2025. Can RCB be only the 3rd side to win two consecutive titles? We shall know on May 31. By May 24 we will be aware if they finish in the top four. At the moment, it is very much likely.