New Delhi: Punjab Kings (PBKS) left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar has dismissed suggestions of a personal rivalry with star batter Virat Kohli, attributing their spirited on-field exchanges to the competitive demands of elite franchise cricket rather than genuine animosity.

Brar, who famously clean-bowled the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon in a memorable IPL spell that also saw him dismiss Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers, made it clear that his focus as a bowler remains entirely on executing his plans, regardless of the star status of the batter facing him.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, the Punjab spinner addressed the external narrative surrounding their battles, placing the blame firmly on digital trends.

“It's not like that. It's good for the team. There’s nothing like a ‘rivalry’. It’s all a social media gimmick which starts there and dies there. I play for PBKS, he plays for RCB. I have only played franchise cricket with him. We both want to do good for the team,” Brar explained.

The spinner praised Kohli’s unyielding enthusiasm and work ethic, emphasising that the former India captain’s fierce approach to the game serves as a masterclass for the upcoming generation.

“He has played so many matches, and he plays the same way as he did when he was 18. His aggression on the ground is still the same. We have also learnt these things from him,” Brar noted.

Despite the intensity required during a high-stakes match, Brar stressed that mutual admiration remains constant.

“But it's not like that. He is a legend of this game. He is one of the legends. Respect is the same for him on and off the field.”

At the same time, Brar pointed out that once a player steps onto the boundary ropes, professional obligations take priority over personal bonds—a standard he credits Kohli himself with establishing in Indian cricket.

“But we do our job on the field. And we have learnt it from him only. He will never give an excuse saying, ‘He is my friend, so I won’t hit him for a four or six.’ It's not like that. It's not possible. He wants to do well for his team; it’s all jokes and fun. We have always learnt from him, and he is a great example for the future youngsters as to how cricket should be played,” he said.

When asked about the psychology of facing high-profile batters, Brar stated that a bowler’s internal drive should never waver, whether facing a international veteran or a newcomer.

“You should always have that current in you as a bowler; it doesn’t matter if it’s Virat Kohli batting in front of you or a youngster. As a bowler, my duty is to take his wicket or bowl a good over for my team. That should be the motto.”

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He also shrugged off the perception that intense on-field body language from world-class players creates intimidation.

“Someone giving a death stare should not bother a bowler.”

In fact, Brar offered a pragmatic perspective on how television coverage often amplifies on-field moments, explaining that what looks like a fiery confrontation on screen is frequently just a trick of broadcast angles.

“I have never seen him staring at me. The camera angles are like this. When we are on the ground. It feels like they are staring at me, but they’re not. You can only hear the conversation around the stump mic. You can't hear anything else. But it's not like that, as far as staring is concerned.”

He further highlighted that intense reactions are commonplace in competitive sports, though Kohli’s immense global stardom naturally ensures the spotlight stays fixed on his actions.

“Our team's captains also stare at us. That is never noticed. But Virat is a great personality. He is a great person. Most of the time, the camera is on him. You can see his aggression.”

Concluding with a lighthearted take on the public perception of these encounters, Brar added: “He doesn't need to be staring at me; he could be staring at someone else too.” (IANS)