The decision to field first after winning the toss at Chepauk initially seemed to backfire for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as Phil Salt took on the bowlers in the first four overs.
However, the introduction of Noor Ahmad soon brought the first breakthrough, followed by a stunning catch from Ruturaj Gaikwad to dismiss Devdutt Padikkal in the eighth over.
While the top-order batters were in full flow, Kohli appeared to be struggling before a fiery bumper from Pathirana ignited him.
On the first ball of the eleventh over, Pathirana bowled a short delivery, which Kohli attempted to pull but got beaten on the outside edge, resulting in a headshot.
The physios immediately ran in for a mandatory concussion test. But Kohli responded in style to the very next ball.
— david Miller (@MillerDavi20894) March 28, 2025
Pathirana bowled short again, and Kohli expertly swivelled the ball over fine leg for a six, his first of the match, pushing his strike rate past the 100-mark. After the shot, Kohli glared at Pathirana, who had previously apologized for the headshot, sparking a flurry of reactions on Twitter.