India’s cricketing maestro, Virat Kohli, found himself embroiled in fresh controversy during the second day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday. Amidst the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Kohli’s actions off the field have dominated headlines, diverting attention from his performance with the bat.
A Heated Exchange with Spectators
During his innings on Day 2, Kohli managed a modest 35 runs before being dismissed by Australian pacer Scott Boland. However, the defining moment came after his wicket, as he walked back to the pavilion amidst loud boos from sections of the MCG crowd.
Visibly irritated by comments from certain spectators, Kohli halted his walk and turned to confront them. In a tense exchange, security personnel swiftly intervened, ensuring Kohli’s safe passage to the dressing room. Video footage of the incident quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms.
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Earlier Altercation with Sam Konstas
This confrontation wasn’t Kohli’s only controversial moment in the match. On Day 1, he clashed with Australia’s debutant opener, Sam Konstas. In a dramatic turn of events during the 10th over of Australia’s innings, Kohli made physical contact with Konstas, escalating into a heated verbal exchange. It was only after senior Australian batter Usman Khawaja intervened that the situation de-escalated.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) reviewed the incident under Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, penalizing Kohli with a 20% fine on his match fee and a demerit point.
Divided Opinions Among Fans and Experts
Kohli’s fiery personality has always been a talking point, with fans split between celebrating his passion and questioning his on-field temperament. Former India coach Ravi Shastri defended Kohli, stating, “I wish our country would stand up for our players in situations like this in a bigger way. Australia hasn’t won here in years, and their fans are bound to react.”
Critics, however, argue that such incidents detract from the essence of the game and set a poor example for younger players. With the series nearing its conclusion, the spotlight will remain firmly on Kohli—not just for his cricketing abilities but for his behavior under pressure.
