Virat Kohli’s fiery on-field personality has been one of the defining traits of his illustrious career. While his passion, intensity, and aggressive approach have won him millions of admirers, they have also drawn criticism over the years. Although the former India captain has become more composed with experience, his trademark competitiveness continues to be a key part of his game. Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary believes that Kohli’s energy is exactly what modern cricket needs.
Having officiated several of Kohli’s matches since his early playing days, Anil Chaudhary said the star batter’s animated reactions stem from his desire to win rather than any personal animosity. “Actually, my advantage with Virat was that I had officiated his matches since childhood, so I have known him for a long time,” Chaudhary said during a conversation on JioHotstar.
WATCH – Sunrisers Remove Celebration Video Amid Fan Backlash Over New Tradition
He added, “He doesn’t have any malice. He reacts aggressively sometimes, but if you’re right, he’ll give you a thumbs up too. Between overs, he’ll come over and put a hand around your waist. But he is lively throughout. Players like him should be there; otherwise, the game will get boring.”
Kohli, who recently featured in India’s 2-1 ODI series defeat against England, is expected to return to international action during the upcoming series against the West Indies.
Anil Chaudhary also reflected on some of Kohli’s most intense moments in the Indian Premier League, including his famous on-field confrontation with Gautam Gambhir in 2013. According to the veteran umpire, such incidents are often a reflection of the highly competitive mindset shared by many cricketers from northern India.
“I knew something like that would happen because all of them from the North play with aggression,” Chaudhary explained. “I have played local cricket too, and our players have always played like this. If they don’t play with that aggession, their performances won’t come out as well. The flavour of the game won’t be there if you put too many restrictions on the players. But there’s a limit, and it shouldn’t be crossed.”
ALSO READ: Shashank Singh Parts Ways With Chhattisgarh, Shifts Focus Ahead Of IPL
The former umpire also shared his views on the debate surrounding run-outs at the non-striker’s end, maintaining that the dismissal is completely within the laws of the game because batters often gain an unfair advantage by leaving the crease early.
“The dismissal is fair in cricket,” Anil Chaudhary said. “I think very soon, in a year or two, a rule will come in with a warning system, one warning, two warnings, and then a run penalty.”
He added that such a system could discourage batters from backing up too far while ensuring the contest between bat and ball remains fair.
