The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has brought its fair share of controversies, both on and off the field. Amid the heated battles between India and Australia, the Australian media has added fuel to the fire by targeting Indian cricketers, with Virat Kohli being their latest subject.
The former Indian captain, renowned for his on-field aggression and charisma, has been labeled a “joker” by a local Australian newspaper. This remark has ignited a heated debate, drawing reactions from players, media, and legends of the game.
Media Tensions and Virat Kohli’s Popularity
The Australian media has a long history of targeting Indian cricketers, and this series has been no exception. The latest insult directed at Virat Kohli comes after a minor on-field incident with debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test.
Virat Kohli, who accidentally bumped shoulders with the young player, was fined 20% of his match fee and handed a demerit point by the ICC. While the punishment followed standard ICC guidelines, the Australian media used the incident to launch personal attacks against the Indian star.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been vocal in calling out the hypocrisy of the Australian media. Speaking from his position on Star Sports’ broadcast team, Pathan highlighted how the same media that hailed Kohli as “King” at the start of the series has now resorted to derogatory remarks. Pathan accused them of exploiting Kohli’s global popularity to gain attention, labeling their actions hypocritical and unacceptable.
Pathan also pointed out that no Indian players or experts attempted to justify Kohli’s actions during the incident. Instead, they accepted the ICC’s decision.
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This contrasts with the Australian media’s approach, which seems to sensationalize every move Kohli makes. Pathan called for a collective stand against such treatment, warning that a failure to do so would encourage further hostility toward Indian cricketers in the future.
The Boxing Day Test Incident
The spark for this controversy came during the first day of the Boxing Day Test when Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into Sam Konstas. While the contact appeared unintentional, the incident was enough to trigger a frenzy. The ICC’s fine and demerit point were in line with established protocols, but reactions from both Indian and Australian camps differed sharply.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar defended Virat Kohli, emphasizing that the punishment adhered to ICC rules. He criticized the Australian media for overreacting and accused them of unfairly targeting Kohli. Gavaskar also noted similar incidents in recent months where players received comparable penalties, arguing that the fine imposed on Kohli was consistent and justified.
However, Australian legends Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh felt the punishment was too lenient. Ponting, known for his outspoken views, argued that Kohli’s actions warranted harsher penalties, considering the high-profile nature of the match.
Waugh echoed this sentiment, warning that a lenient approach could set a dangerous precedent. He advocated for a fine of at least 75% of Kohli’s match fee, stressing the need for stricter measures in volatile situations.
Adding a balanced perspective, former Australian coach Justin Langer criticized the media’s treatment of Kohli. Langer, who understands the pressures faced by high-profile players, described the constant targeting of Kohli as excessive and unnecessary. His comments shed light on the broader issue of how the media scrutinizes cricketing icons, often magnifying minor incidents to generate sensational headlines.
The Longstanding Battle Between Kohli and the Media
Kohli’s run-ins with the media are not new, especially during tours to Australia. Known for his fiery demeanor and refusal to back down, Virat Kohli has often found himself at the center of controversies, making him a prime target for the press. This series has been particularly intense, with Kohli clashing with journalists even before the first ball was bowled.
The controversy began with an argument between Kohli and a journalist accused of taking unauthorized photos of him and his family in Melbourne. This was followed by criticism of Ravindra Jadeja, another Indian star, for prioritizing Indian media during a press conference. These incidents, coupled with the “joker” label, reflect a broader pattern of hostility aimed at Indian players by sections of the Australian media.
Indian cricket fans and media have rallied behind Virat Kohli, condemning the Australian press for their “uncivilized” behavior. Kohli’s immense popularity, both in India and globally, makes him an easy target for sensational stories. However, the repeated attacks also highlight a deeper cultural divide in how players are perceived and treated in different cricketing nations.
Former players like Gavaskar and Pathan have urged Indian cricket authorities to take a stand against such behavior. They argue that allowing these attacks to go unchallenged sets a poor precedent and undermines the dignity of Indian cricket.
The latest episode in the Kohli-Australian media saga adds another layer of drama to an already intense series. While the on-field battles between the two teams have captivated cricket fans, the off-field controversies threaten to overshadow the spirit of the game.
Virat Kohli’s encounter with Sam Konstas, though minor, has become a flashpoint for larger issues surrounding media ethics, player treatment, and cultural biases.
As the cricketing world debates the fairness of the ICC’s punishment and the conduct of the Australian press, one thing remains clear: Kohli’s journey in this series is as much about resilience off the field as it is about performance on it.
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