# Harpreet Brar downplays Kohli rivalry, calls it social media gimmick 2026-08-13T17:06:37+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar has dismissed talk of a personal rivalry with Virat Kohli, calling it a 'social media gimmick'. Speaking to IANS, Brar said that their on-field exchanges are driven by professional competition, not animosity. He praised Kohli's relentless aggression and work ethic, but stressed that once on the field, every bowler's job is to take wickets, regardless of the batter's stature. Brar also clarified that Kohli's intense stares are often exaggerated by camera angles. 'Someone giving a death stare should not bother a bowler,' he said, adding that mutual respect remains constant off the field. The left-arm spinner, who famously clean-bowled Kohli during an IPL match, insisted that both players are simply focused on doing well for their respective teams. ## Coverage - english.mathrubhumi.com Tags: Harpreet Brar, IPL, Punjab Kings, RCB, Virat Kohli Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/harpreet-brar-downplays-kohli-rivalry-calls-it-social-media-gimmick/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/harpreet-brar-downplays-kohli-rivalry-calls-it-social-media-gimmick/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.