India’s tour of Australia is turning into a nightmare for Virat Kohli, with controversies following him at every turn. From a spat with journalists and a cameraman at the airport to a heated argument with a young Australian opener, Kohli’s trip has been marked by tensions both on and off the field.
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli faced a hostile reception from Australian fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test on Friday.
The boos erupted as Kohli took the crease after the Tea break on Day Two, following an on-field altercation that had already drawn penalties.
The incident stemmed from a shoulder-bump with Australian player Sam Konstas on Day One, leading the International Cricket Council (ICC) to fine Kohli 20% of his match fees and issue a demerit point for a Level One violation of the code of conduct.
The crowd’s unfriendly reaction seemed an extension of the simmering tensions from the previous day.
During his innings, Kohli exhibited his trademark discipline, scoring 36 runs off 86 balls. However, a mix-up with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was run out for a well-made 82, seemed to unsettle the Indian star.
Kohli’s resolve eventually cracked as he edged a delivery from Scot Bland to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, ending his stay at the crease.
While returning to the pavilion, Kohli paused to confront a group of Australian fans after allegedly inappropriate remarks, a moment captured on video and widely circulated online.
Security personnel eventually escorted him to the dressing room.
Despite Kohli’s departure and earlier setbacks, India staged a remarkable comeback on Day Three, thanks to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s heroic century.
Reddy’s unbeaten 105 off 176 balls was instrumental in helping India reach 358/9 by the close of play, avoiding the follow-on and reducing Australia’s first-innings lead to 116 runs.
