Virat Kohli, the prominent Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian cricket team, has enjoyed immense success on the cricket field and has emerged as a national icon. However, his journey has been punctuated by several controversies that have garnered public attention. Below are some of his notable controversies:
On-Field Temperament:
Virat Kohli’s fiery and competitive nature on the cricket field has often led to controversies. He has been involved in heated verbal exchanges with opposition players and has displayed aggressive behavior at times. Some critics have questioned his sportsmanship due to these on-field confrontations.
Spats with Australian Players:
Kohli’s confrontations with Australian players have been particularly noteworthy. His intense rivalry with Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson during a 2014 series led to heated exchanges and sparked debates about maintaining decorum in the sport.
Social Media Outburst:
In 2016, Kohli sparked a controversy when he lambasted a social media user who criticized his batting and performance. While many fans supported his response, others believed it was unbecoming of a sportsman to engage in such exchanges publicly.
Conflict with Journalists:
Kohli’s strained relationship with the media has made headlines. He has been involved in tense interactions with journalists during press conferences, often expressing his displeasure at certain questions. This has led to debates about maintaining a respectful rapport with the media.
Spat with Anil Kumble:
Virat Kohli’s public disagreement with former coach Anil Kumble in 2017 created a rift in the Indian cricket team. Kohli’s reported differences with Kumble over coaching methods and team dynamics led to Kumble’s resignation as head coach, stirring controversy about team management.
Selection Controversies:
Kohli’s influence over team selection and certain player choices has raised eyebrows. Critics have questioned whether his opinions unduly influence selection decisions, potentially sidelining talented players.
Misinterpretation of Remark:
In 2018, Kohli’s “leave India” remark during a promotional video was misinterpreted, leading to public outrage. While Kohli explained that his words were taken out of context, the incident ignited discussions about sports figures’ responsibilities and their comments’ potential impact.
Anushka Sharma Connection:
Virat Kohli’s marriage to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma attracted significant media attention. However, some critics have unfairly blamed Sharma for Kohli’s poor performances in matches, illustrating the challenges of navigating a high-profile relationship.
Pitching for his Clothing Brand:
Kohli’s act of using a walkie-talkie to review a no-ball during an IPL match raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as it indirectly promoted his own clothing brand. This incident prompted discussions about maintaining the integrity of the game.
Comments on Fan:
In 2019, Kohli faced backlash for responding rudely to a fan who expressed admiration for English and Australian cricketers. Critics argued that his response lacked humility and showed disrespect for fans.
Social Media and Anushka Sharma:
Kohli and Anushka Sharma have faced online trolling and criticism for their social media posts and public appearances. While the couple’s intent is often innocuous, they have been unfairly targeted by negative comments and vitriol from online users.
Virat Kohli’s cricketing prowess and contributions to Indian cricket remain significant aspects of his legacy, alongside the controversies he has been associated with.
