Arshad Khan, a 27-year-old left-arm medium pacer from Madhya Pradesh, has made headlines in the cricket world after dismissing Virat Kohli in his very first over during the 2025 IPL match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on April 2, 2025.
This impressive performance not only showcased his bowling prowess but also underscored his journey from being a promising talent in domestic cricket to becoming a key player for GT in the IPL.
Early Life and Career
Born on December 20, 1997, in Gopalganj, Madhya Pradesh, Arshad Khan began his cricketing journey in junior-level competitions.
He was first recognized by the Mumbai Indians (MI) scouting team while playing in these tournaments.
Khan’s talent was evident early on, as he emerged as the top wicket-taker in the 2019-20 Under-25 CK Nayudu Trophy with 36 wickets and also scored 400 runs, including a century against Assam.
Domestic Cricket Achievements
Arshad Khan has been a vital part of the Madhya Pradesh cricket team, contributing significantly to their success in domestic tournaments.
His standout performance in the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he took three wickets for just nine runs against Punjab, highlighted his potential to make a significant impact on the Indian cricketing stage.
IPL Journey
Khan’s IPL journey began in 2022 when he was picked by Mumbai Indians for ₹20 lakh, but an injury prevented him from playing that season.
He made his IPL debut in 2023 with MI and later played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2024 season.
Despite modest wicket tallies, his best bowling figures of 3/39 against Rajasthan Royals in 2023 showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
In the 2025 IPL auction, Gujarat Titans acquired Arshad Khan for ₹1.3 crore, recognizing his value as an all-rounder with both batting and bowling skills. His ability to swing the new ball and contribute with the bat makes him a valuable asset for GT.
Dismissing Virat Kohli
The highlight of Arshad Khan’s career so far came when he dismissed Virat Kohli in his first over during the GT vs RCB match.
This moment not only marked a personal milestone but also demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and perform against top-tier opponents.
Kohli, caught by Prasidh Krishna at deep square leg, was dismissed for just 7 runs in 6 balls.
