Kohli and Ajitesh sharef a breif chat after the match. (Photo: X/BCCI)

Virat Kohli's U19 India teammate now an IPL 2026 umpire: Who is he?

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli reunited with former U19 teammate Ajitesh Argal after DC vs RCB. The now-umpire's full-circle moment has gone viral.

28 Apr 2026, 12:11 by Debodinna Chakraborty · India Today

In Short

RCB chased 76 in 6.3 overs to secure a nine-wicket victory
Kohli became the first batter to complete 9,000 IPL runs
Devdutt Padikkal smashed 34 not out off 13 balls in chase

A post-match moment stole the spotlight after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dominant win over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. Virat Kohli was seen sharing a warm exchange with on-field umpire Ajitesh Argal, a reunion that quickly went viral on social media.

The interaction wasn’t just another post-match chat. Kohli and Argal were once teammates in India’s 2008 Under-19 World Cup-winning side, making the moment a full-circle story that struck a chord with fans.

RCB vs DC: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

The moment came after RCB’s emphatic 9-wicket win against DC, where they chased down 76 in just 6.3 overs. While the match itself was dominated by RCB’s bowlers and batters, it was this off-field connection that added a touch of nostalgia to the evening.

Social media was quick to pick up on it, with fans revisiting memories of the 2008 World Cup and celebrating the full-circle journey of both cricketers.

Ajitesh Argal was the umpire in DC vs RCB, featuring Kohli. (PTI Photo)

WHO IS AJITESH ARGAL?

Ajitesh Argal was a key member of India’s 2008 Under-19 World Cup-winning team, led by Kohli. While several players from that squad went on to build long international careers, Argal’s contribution to that triumph remains significant.

In the final against South Africa, Argal delivered a match-winning spell of 2 for 7 in 5 overs in a rain-affected game, earning the Player of the Match award as India defended a modest total to lift the trophy.

However, his playing career did not follow the same trajectory as some of his teammates. He was picked by Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural IPL season but did not get a game. His domestic career with Baroda saw limited opportunities across formats.

Eventually, Argal stepped away from competitive cricket and joined the Income Tax Department through the sports quota. But his connection with the game remained intact.

Ajitesh Argal (right) made his debut as an IPL umpire in 2026. (ScreenGrab: JioHotstar)

In 2023, he cleared the BCCI umpiring exams and began a new journey. Since then, he has officiated in domestic matches and the Women’s Premier League before making his way into the IPL as an umpire, marking a remarkable second innings in cricket.

HOW KOHLI AND AJITESH REUNITED

The DC vs RCB clash in IPL 2026 brought the two former teammates back onto the same field, albeit in different roles. Kohli, now one of the game’s biggest names, was playing for RCB, while Argal stood as one of the on-field umpires.

After the match, Kohli was seen walking up to Argal and sharing a brief conversation, a moment that resonated deeply with fans.

On the field, Kohli also added another milestone, becoming the first batter to cross 9,000 IPL runs, finishing unbeaten on 23 as RCB sealed the chase with ease. Devdutt Padikkal’s quickfire 34 not out off 13 balls ensured the win was wrapped up in no time after a devastating bowling effort led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

- Ends