Before the start of the five-Test series between India and Australia, the Australian media had praised Virat Kohli. India had won two consecutive tours before this tour and the main attraction during this period was Virat Kohli. Australian media expected that Virat Kohli would once again get TRP and for this they covered Kohli in a different way. Before the start of this series, the English newspaper The Advertiser not only mentioned Virat Kohli on the front page but also used words like ‘battle of the ages’ for this series. Australian newspapers even called him the new king. But as soon as he faced 19-year-old Sam Constas, who was debuting in the Melbourne Test, the tone of the Australian newspapers changed. Now someone is calling Kohli a joker and someone is making fun of him.
Virat Kohli on target of Australian media
Even when Virat Kohli was coming to Melbourne after the draw of the Gaba Test, there was a dispute between the Australian media and Kohli. There were videos of the argument between Virat Kohli and a Sun Channel journalist at the airport. Australian journalists were taking photographs of Virat Kohli and Virat was with his family and he did not want the photographs of his children to be taken. During this time, Virat also made it clear that he wants privacy during his family time. However, this matter did not gain much prominence. But the Australian media has started changing its tone, its signs are visible from this incident.
Virat Kohli collides with Sam Constas
In the fourth match of the series being held in Melbourne, Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. The pair of Sam Constas and Usman Khawaja gave a good start to Australia in this match. During this, Sam Constas also scored 18 runs in one over of Bumrah. On the very first day, Virat Kohli showed his aggression and had a clash with Sam Constas. During this their shoulders collided.
Australian veteran angry at Virat Kohli
Australian veterans criticized Virat Kohli regarding this incident and said that Virat Kohli should be banned for physical collision. “Personally, I don’t think the punishment was harsh enough,” Ponting said on Channel 7. “There are precedents, things have happened in the past and it’s usually been 15-25 per cent OK, but this big incident.” Was.”
He said, “It was the most watched day of cricket all year around the world. Imagine what the consequences would be if it happened at this level? I think people will think it is almost acceptable now.”
Former great Mark Waugh also shared similar views during commentary for ‘Fox Sports’. He stressed, “You cannot change the punishment in cases like this. Virat Kohli will look back at this case and say, ‘I have done wrong’. I think this penalty is very light.”
He warned that if not dealt with strictly, such incidents could become common in cricket. He said, “I think he is lucky to escape the suspension. If he has been fined, it should have been at least 75 per cent of the fine. 20 per cent is nothing. There is no doubt that Sam Constas has helped the Indians. Was taken by surprise.”
Australian media crossed all limits
Australian media used words like ‘Clown Kohli’ for Virat Kohli after the dispute with Sam Constance. The West Australian newspaper used the word ‘clone’ (joker) for Virat.
#WATCH Melbourne | Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli made headlines in Australian newspapers over his heated on-field confrontation with debutant Australian opener Sam Konstas during the fourth Test between India and Australia at the MCG. pic.twitter.com/tdxXKOT8Ww
— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2024
Australian journalist targeted Virat Kohli in his column for Herald Sun. He wrote- Cricket fails to stand up to the actions of Virat Kohli. He wrote that according to the crime Kohli committed, the punishment given to him is very less. At the same time, another Australian newspaper has stuffed a pacifier in Kohli’s mouth. The heading of this article is ‘King Con’.
Sen Cricket wrote that ICC should do its work. He wrote, “If the ICC does its job, then Boxing Day should be Virat Kohli’s last Test on Australian soil.”
The Sydney Morning Herald wrote that Virat Kohli escaped suspension due to the ‘Sandpaper-Gate Scandal’. It has been told in the article that the change in the ICC Code of Conduct after Australia’s ball tampering case in 2018 during the Test series against South Africa benefited Virat and saved him from the ban.
Fans misbehaved with Virat Kohli
When Virat Kohli was returning to the pavilion after scoring 36 runs on Friday, he was booed while going back to the dressing room and the audience also made fun of him. After this he turned and started arguing with the audience for some time. After scoring 36 runs, Kohli was caught behind the wicket off the ball of Scott Boland.
When he entered the ‘tunnel’ to go towards the dressing room, the fans present in that part of the MCG started making fun of him and also made some comments. A short clip of which has since gone viral. Nothing is heard clearly in this 22 second video but after listening to it he turned back. He seemed angry with the comments of the Australian audience. The security personnel took him back towards the pavilion but Kohli was looking towards the stand on the left.
(with input from language)
Also read: Sam Konstas: “I have already…” Sam Konstas said a big thing after spoiling Jasprit Bumrah’s record
