The IND vs AUS series has not been without its share of off-field drama. During the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a mixed reception awaited Indian cricketer Virat Kohli as he faced booing from the Australian side. On the flip side, the Indian supporters made their presence felt, chanting “Kohli-Kohli” as soon as he scored his first run overshadowing the negativity from the home crowd. This dual reception was deeply rooted in the controversy surrounding Kohli and young Australian cricketer Sam Konstas.
Navigating challenges in between criticism
Virat Kohli’s tour of Australia has been fraught with challenges, both in terms of his game and controversies. Despite a dip in his batting form, Kohli managed to make headlines during the IND vs AUS 4th Test by drawing attention and support from fans. The tour took a complex turn with the infamous altercation involving Sam Konstas, which led to an ICC fine and further criticism. However, his strength shone through as he continued to battle on the field in between a storm of opinions and judgments.
Sportsmanship from Kohli
Kohli displayed a great gesture towards Australia’s top batter, Steve Smith, on Friday. When Smith hit a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy to score his 34th Test century, Kohli immediately applauded. The former India captain waited patiently as Smith enjoyed the cheers from the large crowd. Then, he walked over to Smith and gave him a pat on the back.
Kohli’s sportsmanship shines through
In a powerful moment that demonstrated the spirit of sportsmanship, Virat Kohli congratulated Australian star Steve Smith on his 34th Test century. This gesture followed closely after a turbulent patch due to the Konstas incident. Despite previous boos, this act of goodwill saw Kohli gaining admiration and respect, emphasising the true essence of cricket beyond competition.
