Aussie commentators take swipe at fired-up Kohli
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is under fire for his over-the-top celebratory antics during the second cricket test against Australia.
Kohli has been a constant thorn in Australia’s side and put on a batting masterclass as he brought up seventh test century against Australia — and his sixth
Downunder — his 18th as captain and his 11th ton in all forms of international cricket in 2018.
Often under fire for his vocal celebrations in the field, he had the perfect response to his critics after bringing up his milestone.
Without hinting at a smile, he pointed at his bat and make a talking motion with his hand, indicating his willow was doing the talking now.
But then came the most controversial moment of the series, which has divided fans.
A delivery from Pat Cummins drew Kohli forward and a flying edge found its way into the hands of a diving Peter Handscomb.
The on-field umpires gave a soft signal of out before sending the call upstairs to confirm the catch.
There was no conclusive evidence to overturn the decision so Kohli was sent back to the sheds for 123.
A furious Kohli walked off the field, but the moment clearly got the better of him and his temper boiled over when the Australian second innings got under way.
A chirpy Indian fielding group went to a new level when skipper Tim Paine strolled to the crease with Kohli leading the charge.
Barrages of chatter were thrown in the direction of Paine and Usman Khawaja as the tourists looked to gain any advantage they could.
But the antics of Kohli drew the ire of Australian cricketing great Mike Hussey who teed off on the star batsman, while the Daily Telegraph went as far a labelling the Indian skipper petulant.
“Virat Kohli is out of control out there.
“He is revving up the crowd and he is going nuts when they take a wicket,” Hussey said in commentary for Macquarie Sports Radio.
“I don’t like his attitude at the moment.”
Australian spin bowler Nathan Lyon said Kohli’s antics didn’t concern him.
“Virat Kohli is a great player.
“He plays on emotion, we all know that. To be honest, I’m not really concerned how Virat reacts or the way he conducts himself.
“Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner,” Lyon told Fox Sports.
“I’ve played enough cricket against Virat to know what he’s like. Virat’s Virat.”
“Virat Kohli is a great player. He plays on emotion.
“I’m not worried about what he’s doing or India’s doing.”
— news.com.au
Virat Kohli is out of control out there. He is revving up the crowd and he is going nuts when they take a wicket. Mike Hussey