INDIA VS ENGLAND :VIRAT KOHLI’S OVERJOYED CELEBRATIONS HURT BRITISH MEDIA
by Bibhu Ray
(The Quiver) :The ongoing India Vs England Test match at Edgbaston has sparked controversy because of Virat Kohli’s out of control celebrations, which have divided fans and the international media.
When fielding, Kohli was seen very vocal and involved. After he flew a flying kiss to English wicketkeeper Johnny Bairstow when he was dismissed for 106 in the first innings .Then he truly overjoyed after opening batter Alex less was run out in the second. Kohli’s aggressive celebrations, where he was seen shouting, jumping and fist pumping the air has got a lot of people talking. Some people have support Kohli displaying his aggression, while others don’t.
The British media however is not impressed with Kohli’s over the top, calling it shameful and embarrassing. From Piers Morgan to Fabian Cowdrey, many slammed Kohli’s ‘classless’ act. Here are some of the reactions.
Kohli has a brass neck blowing mocking kisses at a bloke who’s scored three more test hundreds in the past month than he has in the past 2.5 years.
-Pierce Morgan (@piersmorgan)
Few Players more insufferable in test cricket than Virat Kohli. Blowing kisses at Bairstow who’s scored more centuries today than Kohli has in about three years. Focus on your game. #ENGVS IND
Joshau Jones(@joshuapsjones)
Is Kohli the most dislikeable cricketer
-Liam Brophy (@Broph18)
No Idea why #Kohli has to act the way he does. He’s a world class player, but blowing kisses to Bairstow on his way off… Seriously? #ENGVS IND
-Fabian Cowdrey (@fkcowdrey)
In the first innings, Kohli attracted detractors when he and Bairstow were involved in a heated exchange. At first, Kohli sledged Bairstow, saying to him, “a little bit quicker than Southee, eh?”, indicating that the Indian pace attack was much superior than the New Zealand bowling line up against whom Bairstow scored a century. The next day, things between the two became extremely uncomfortable as Kohli chirped at Bairstow once more. Bairstow managed to score his fifth century in a Test match this year.
Kohli’s performance with the bat was very forgettable, adding to a spate of poor performances and low scores that have been holding him back. While Kohli began off well in the second innings, reaching 20, he edged Ben Stokes to be caught behind after scoring 11 in the first innings before playing on a ball from Matthew Potts. During India’s 2018 tour of England, Kohli amassed 593 runs. He finishes this series with 249 runs, including two half-centuries in 10 innings.
