Virat Kohli's on-field woes during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 have sparked a firestorm of criticism, with former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar leading the way. In a heated moment during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Kohli shouldered Australian youngster Sam Konstas, raising eyebrows and sparking debate across the cricketing world.
Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back, calling Virat Kohli's behavior “un-cricket”. The incident has become one of the most talked about topics of the recent five-match Test series between India and Australia, with many questioning whether Kohli's fiery persona on the field is starting to affect his batting form.
Sunil Gavaskar slams Virat Kohli's shoulder barge in BGT 2024-25
While some fans have defended Kohli's aggressive approach, former players and pundits – both Indian and Australian – have come down heavily on the former Indian captain's actions. The exchanges of fire did not stop in Melbourne as Jasprit Bumrah also had a verbal duel with Sam Konstas in Sydney, intensifying the controversy during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Recently, Sunil Gavaskar criticized Virat Kohli's controversial incident, pointing out that such actions have no place in cricket. The legendary Indian batsman admitted that Indian players are known to back down when challenged, but felt the situation did not warrant Kohli's reaction.
The former Indian captain pointed out that experienced players know that the crowds are not personal in the taunting and it is simply a part of the entertainment and Kohli needs to be aware of that. Gavaskar also blamed Kohli for the booing of the Indian players by the Australian spectators.
Virat Kohli has put more pressure on his teammates with his actions: Sunil Gavaskar
The noted commentator pointed out that Kohli's on-field antics also put unnecessary pressure on his India teammates, making them targets during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well, which Australia won after defeating India 3-1 in the match. Test series.
Sunil Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Age: “That said, what Kohli did with the shoulder cut is simply not cricket. Indians don't shy away from fighting back if provoked, but here the provocation just wasn't there.
“The one thing the players learn with experience is that it's useless to try to get back at the crowds, who have come to have fun, so booing the players is never personal, just a way to have fun. Kohli needs to understand that whatever he does to react to the crowd actually puts more pressure on his teammates, who also become the target of the spectators.”
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Virat Kohli fails to deliver with the bat in the Australia tour
Notably, Virat Kohli failed to cope with the bat during the recent Test series against Australia. India lost the series 1–3, which also cost them a place in the World Test Championship final. Many believed that Kohli's aggressive behavior on the field affected his performance against Australia.
Kohli scored just 190 runs in nine innings during BGT 2024-25. Despite starting the tour strong with a century in Perth, he kept getting out for catches in the slip cordon or at wicket. Now, there are growing demands to drop Kohli along with Rohit Sharma from the Test team.