IND vs AUS: Australian Media Labels Virat Kohli As Clown

IND vs AUS; Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most celebrated and beloved players, has found himself at the center of controversy during India’s ongoing tour of Australia. Known for his aggressive style of play and unwavering confidence, Kohli’s reputation took a hit after an on-field altercation with Australia’s debutant Sam Constas during the Boxing Day Test. The controversy saw the Australian media lash out at Kohli, who was termed as “Joker Kohli” and a “crybaby” by some sections of the press. Moreover, the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a fine on the Indian batsman for his actions.

The Altercation: Kohli and Constas’ Tense Exchange

 

The incident occurred on December 26, the first day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While Australia’s Sam Constas was playing a stormy innings on his Test debut, Kohli, while fielding, seemed to have made contact with Constas’ shoulder. This led to a brief exchange of words between the two players. While the situation could have escalated, umpires and Usman Khawaja, the Australian batter, stepped in to defuse the tension.

Despite the matter being settled on the field, the incident did not end there. The ICC took notice and imposed a 20% fine on Kohli’s match fee for his involvement in the altercation. Additionally, he was handed a demerit point, adding to his disciplinary record.

The Australian Media’s Criticism: From “King” to “Joker”

 

Virat Kohli’s image in Australia has dramatically shifted in the wake of this incident. Prior to the Boxing Day Test, Kohli was widely respected, with Australian media even referring to him as “The Return of the King”. However, following the on-field confrontation, the tone of the Australian press took a sharp turn.

Australian newspapers and media outlets launched a scathing attack on the former Indian captain, with The West Australian newspaper leading the charge. The publication referred to Kohli as “Joker Kohli” in a headline, which read:

“Indian ‘sook’ criticized for pathetic collision in youngster’s dream Test debut.”

In this light, “sook” is a colloquialism used in the state of Tasmania and describes the person as being a coward or an emotional overreaction to situations. It appeared as if the newspaper’s headline branded Kohli as a crybaby, who didn’t deserve such a tall player.

Crybaby and Other Taunts of the Australian Press

 

As the controversy continued, even other sections of the Australian media began to be equally critical. One paper labeled Kohli a “crybaby,” charging that he overreacted to a minor incident and played his way into the wrong book. The criticism went well beyond the media circle: many fans and former cricketers in Australia, including a large number of vocally anti-Kohli cricketers, welcomed such harsh words.

Social media buzzed with reactions in the following days after the altercation between Kohli and the Umpire, with several Australians questioning his behavior. In this regard, the phrase “Joker Kohli” became a trend on social media, criticizing that the incident had smudged the image of an aggressive competitor who turned out to be too sensitive and combative.

The Fine and ICC’s Response

The ICC’s decision to fine Kohli 20% of his match fee was in response to his unsporting behavior during the altercation. The fine, coupled with a demerit point, reflects the governing body’s stance on maintaining discipline and the integrity of the game. While Kohli’s actions were seen as out of character by some, others felt the fine was a fair reflection of the incident.

For Kohli, this fine is another chapter in his tumultuous relationship with Australian media, which has been marked by fiery exchanges and off-field controversies. However, Kohli has often shown resilience in the face of criticism, and many believe he will bounce back stronger.

Kohli’s Reputation in Australia: A Roller Coaster Ride

 

Kohli’s relationship with Australian fans and media has always been complex. While the crowd loves him for his skills, determination, and leadership, his aggressive nature and competitive spirit often land him in trouble, on as well as off the field. He has managed to get under the skin of his opponents and pursue success without leaving any stone unturned.

During the earlier visits of India to Australia, Kohli was praised for his performances and his leadership, especially during the historic Test series victory of India in 2020-21. On the other hand, his hot-headed personality has also become a talking point, and many times the Australian media is seen talking about his on-field shenanigans.

A Divisive Figure: The Aftermath of Kohli’s Behaviour

The fact is, criticism prevails, and at times, it appears pretty nasty. However, let it be known that Kohli continues to be a household name in world cricket. Even rivalries with players such as David Warner or Steven Smith are always an additional intense variable in the battles of contests between the two teams. Kohli is a polarizing figure-there are fans who love and admire him, while others criticize him with so much passion that they seem to hate him. His aggression has made him a polarizing figure.

Looking Ahead: Will Kohli Respond to the Criticism?

In what seems like an endless test series against Australia, India will certainly want Kohli to speak the loudest. As he prepares to return to action against Australia with mounting pressure on him especially after his scuffle with Constas, his response – in the performance on the field and outside of it- will prove very crucial to decide what more Kohli can write for his Australia legacy.

The Australian media’s attack on Kohli may have momentarily eclipsed his cricketing success, but it will hardly define his career in the long run. Kohli has faced adversity before and has often emerged stronger from such challenges. It will be interesting to see how he handles this latest episode and whether he can turn the tide in his favor during the remainder of the series.

A Test of Character for Kohli

The incident involving Sam Constas and the subsequent media backlash marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of Virat Kohli’s career. From being hailed as “The King” to being labeled “Joker Kohli”, the shift in Australian media’s stance reflects the ever-changing nature of Kohli’s relationship with the cricketing world. As the series continues, Kohli will have the opportunity to put the controversy behind him with his bat, but for now, he remains at the center of a storm of criticism. Only time will tell how this chapter will impact Kohli’s legacy in Australia and beyond.

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