The cricketing world has been abuzz following Virat Kohli's recent altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The incident, where Kohli shoulder-bumped Konstas, resulted in a penalty of part of his match fee for the Indian star. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) deemed this punishment sufficient, the Australian media has been relentless in their criticism, arguing that Kohli got off lightly.
Cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have both shared their perspectives on the matter, offering a mix of criticism and defense for Kohli.
Sunil Gavaskar's Take
Sunil Gavaskar, a revered figure in Indian cricket, expressed his disappointment over the incident. He recalled Kohli's debut Test in Jamaica, where Kohli's enthusiasm was evident but never crossed the line into physical altercations. Gavaskar emphasized that such behavior is not in line with the spirit of cricket. "I vividly recall that my colleague Ian Gould & I asked ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe to take him aside and explain that his persistent and unnecessary appealing was not the acceptable behaviour for players at the Test level," Gavaskar said.
Reflecting on the recent incident, Gavaskar remarked, "To see any player take a course that ensured contact with an opponent as Kohli clearly did with Konstas in the opening session on the big stage at the MCG was quite deflating for anyone who cares about our wonderful game." He added that while the fine imposed on Kohli was at the highest level the ICC could impose if it had been just a little less, the Australian media's outcry would have been more understandable.
Ravi Shastri's Perspective
Ravi Shastri, former head coach of the Indian cricket team, did not hold back in his criticism of both Kohli and the Australian media. Shastri described Kohli's actions as "unnecessary" and emphasized that such behavior is not what one expects from a senior player. "It’s unnecessary, totally unnecessary … you don’t want to see that," Shastri stated during a commentary session.
However, Shastri also took aim at the Australian media for their harsh treatment of Kohli, labeling it as "desperation." He noted that the media's reaction was over-the-top and reflective of Australia's frustration at not having won a Test series against India in several years. "You expect that in a home country. I wish our country would stand up for our players in situations like this in a bigger way," Shastri said, defending Kohli against the media's portrayal of him as a "clown. "
The Broader Implications
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the spirit of cricket and the appropriate level of punishment for on-field altercations. While the ICC's decision to fine 20% of Kohli's match-fee, has been met with mixed reactions, it underscores the need for maintaining decorum and respect on the field. Both Gavaskar and Shastri's comments highlight the importance of upholding the values of the game, even as they offer differing views on the severity of the punishment.
As the cricketing world continues to discuss and dissect the incident, one thing is clear: the spirit of cricket must prevail, and players must strive to set positive examples for future generations.
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