Virat Kohli has found himself under a barrage of criticism during the ongoing fourth Test match between India and Australia. The controversies began on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and have since spiralled, drawing ire from Australian fans, media, and even some sections of the cricketing fraternity.

The storm started when Kohli had a heated on-field confrontation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas after a collision during play. The fiery exchange seemed to set the tone for what became a contentious series of events involving the Indian skipper.

Adding to the tension, a video of Australian fans chanting “Kohli is a wild dog” went viral on social media. This offensive chant, coupled with relentless booing whenever Kohli was on the field, underscored the hostility he has faced throughout the match.

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Virat Kohli’s relationship with the Australian public has been strained for some time, and this Test series has only widened the rift. Earlier in the series, Kohli clashed with Australian journalists over attempts to photograph his children, a situation that drew widespread attention and criticism. These off-field controversies have seemingly added to the pressure on the star batsman, whose form with the bat has also been under scrutiny.

Ausssie crowd booing Kohli “KOHLI THE WILD DOG ” 🙊#INDvsAUS #Kohli pic.twitter.com/znp9JGndKg

— JD (@alwaysmb123) December 28, 2024

Day 2 of the Test saw Kohli dismissed for a mere 36 runs, a score that fell short of the expectations placed on him. Frustration visibly got the better of him as he walked back to the dressing room, only to be met with an offensive remark from a fan in the crowd. Kohli’s immediate reaction—a glare and a brief confrontation with the crowd—further highlighted the emotional toll the ongoing series seems to have taken on him.

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This is not the first time Kohli has been at the centre of controversy in Australia, a country where his passionate and outspoken nature has often drawn both admiration and criticism. However, the combination of on-field struggles, fan hostility, and media scrutiny has made this series particularly challenging for the Indian skipper. As India fights to stay competitive in the series, Kohli’s ability to rise above these distractions and lead from the front will be closely watched.