When Virat Kohli breached anti-corruption code by meeting girlfriend Anushka Sharma in the middle of an IPL 2015 match
Team India's batting superstar Virat Kohli was once found guilty of violating the BCCI's anti-corruption code during an IPL match in 2015. The cricketer was, however, let off as the infringement was found to be a minor one.
Kohli was the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise from 2011 to 2021. During an IPL 2015 match against Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the star cricketer met his then girlfriend (now wife) Anushka Sharma in the stands, breaching the BCCI's anti-corruption code.
As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, the code that Kohli breached pertained to minimum standards for Players and Match Officials Area. The website claimed that the RCB batter was informed of the violation by then BCCI anti-corruption unit head Ravi Sawani and let off, as the breach wasn't a big one.
The code that Kohli broke was 5.1.2(c); the rule for the same went:
"Whilst outside of the PMOA, the Player, Player Support Personnel or Match Official must only communicate with those third parties with whom he/she has permission to communicate and only engage in such communications as are necessary for the completion of such purposes as have been approved."
During his tenure as skipper, Kohli led RCB in 143 matches, winning 66 and losing 70. Three matches ended in a tie, while four produced no results.
How Kohli-led RCB fared in IPL 2015
Royal Challengers Bengauluru finished third in IPL 2015, with 16 points from 14 matches. They won seven matches and lost five, while two didn't produce a result.
Bengaluru took on Rajasthan Royals in Eliminator in Pune and hammered the Steve Smith-led side by 71 runs. Batting first, RCB put up 180-4 as AB de Villiers starred with 66 off 38. Four RCB bowlers claimed two scalps apiece as RR were bundled out for 109 in 19 overs in response.
Royal Challengers Bengauluru's IPL 2015 campaign, though, ended with a three-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 2 in Ranchi. Batting first, RCB were held to 139-8 as Chris Gayle top-scored with 41 off 43. In their chase, CSK got home in 19.5 overs as Michael Hussey contributed 56 off 46.