The Australian media has hit back at star cricketer Virat Kohli, with Channel Nine journalist Tony Jones accusing him of being a “bully”. The comments followed Kohli's confrontation with female reporter Nat Yoannidis at Melbourne Airport, where he asked her not to film his family.
Kohli has repeatedly asked Indian paparazzi to refrain from taking pictures of his son and daughter. However, the Australian media did not comply and proceeded to record his children. It created a stir when Kohli confronted reporters and cameramen. The 36-year-old asked the reporter to delete the scenes featuring his family and retain only the parts showing himself.
“Nat was there with a cameraman, the Channel 7 reporter was there with his cameraman, they were essentially doing what we do every day, of course whether they're politicians, it's at the airport to get identities. They're sports identities or whatever,” Jones stated.
“He was embarrassed that the cameras were on him because he was Virat Kohli,” he added.
“Alright man! You're a batting superstar, you're a global superstar in the world of cricket, and he's flattered that the spotlight is on him.
“When I actually saw the footage, I got behind me and he turned to the three blokes, the two cameramen and the reporter from Channel 7 and said, 'Okay, that's her,'” Jones said.
“Really? Big tough man, Virat.
“Then he stood next to this girl named Nat Yonidis, who was about five-foot-one, five-foot-two, and absolutely berated her.
“You are nothing but a bully, Virat,” Jones said.
Kohli has played three Tests at the MCG, scoring 316 runs across six innings at an impressive average of 52.66. His record at the venue includes a century and two fifties, with his memorable knock of 169 in 2014. The Test match ended in a draw. It is noteworthy that Australia has not beaten India at the MCG since 2011. In 2014, India took two wins against the hosts at the Melbourne ground without a win.