ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Champion on the Field, But Kohli Isn’t Always a Crowd Favourite

Virat Kohli’s recent “leave India” controversy isn’t the first time he has been a favourite among the masses.

Updated
Cricket
3 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

As much he’s adored for his on-field exploits, Virat Kohli has on several occasions been lambasted for his comments and actions, both on and off it. The Indian captain in all formats has found himself embroiled in another such controversy after his “I don’t think you should live in India” response to an online user who called him an “overrated batsman”.

Besides receiving major backlash online, seasoned cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle in a tweet said “Virat Kohli’s statement is a reflection of the bubble that most famous people either slip into or are forced into”. Another expert in the field, Ayaz Memon commented, “Unexpectedly churlish of Virat to go down this route. Millions from other countries idolise him”.

A day after the controversy broke out, Virat responded to the backlash he had been receiving. “I guess trolling isn't for me guys, I'll stick to getting trolled,” tweeted the India captain. No remorse, no surprise. We’re getting used to the ‘Kuch toh log kahenge. Logo ka kaam hai kehna’ (People are going to talk. It’s there job to do so).

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Oversensitive to Criticism

Harsha Bhogle’s (on-point) tweet, in which he says, “Contrary opinions are frowned upon” holds significance here as Virat has lately been extremely sensitive to criticism.

Case point: His treatment of journalists in the post-match press conferences during India’s tour to South Africa earlier this year.

It started after India’s Test series loss, when a journalist asked the captain if he expected different results by tinkering with his playing eleven. Virat wasn’t happy, and snapped right back at the reporter.

And it didn’t end there. Even when he wasn’t being criticised or scrutinised after India’s ODI series win in the same tour, he didn’t have too many pleasant things to say. Well, it was obvious he was still holding a grudge.

Jump to India’s tour to England. Once again Virat’s side was mostly not the winning side. And when the captain was put on a spot about Ravi Shastri’s claim that this is the best Indian team in the last 10-15 years, Kohli said, “We have to believe that, why not?”.

0

‘Untenable’ Relationships

Since when does the captain of the Indian cricket team decide who is going to coach it? Well, since Virat became captain.

Former India captain Anil Kumble was forced to step down from his role as chief coach because the skipper had “reservations” with his style. In a statement, Kumble had revealed that while the BCCI “attempted to resolve the ‘misunderstandings’ between him and Kohli, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable”.

Fans were furious, and the cricket fraternity – from Bishan Singh Bedi to Michael Vaughan – pointed out that Indian cricket was the loser at the end of it all.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

On Field Outbursts

The eye-rolling, shouting and abusing – Now we might have gotten used to all of Virat’s ‘non-sanskari’ drama during the matches but he’s definitely not earned a lot fans for it.

His aggression on the field has long been a topic of discussion. While former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that Kohli’s aggression is his strength, former South Africa-all rounder Jacques Kallis believes that it “might be an area to tone it down a little bit”.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

To conclude this, I’m pulling out a paragraph I had written in a story earlier this year, and still stands as true.

Virat is inarguably one of the greatest cricketers of the times, and Indian fans love him for that. He is the story that inspires generations – the Delhi boy who fought his way into the team based on performance, perseverance and sacrifices. WHY then does he want to change that ‘love story’ he has with his fans just because he doesn’t like being questioned?

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from sports and cricket

Published: 
Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×