Virat Kohli has found himself at the centre of controversy during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The uproar began when Kohli shoulder-bumped Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1, an action that sparked widespread criticism from Australian media and cricketing circles.
The reaction was swift and sharp. Australian newspapers labelled Virat Kohli as a “clown,” with one publication even mocking him by digitally adding a pacifier to his image. These exaggerated depictions drew the ire of many, including former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan, who condemned the Australian media’s approach as immature and hypocritical.
Pathan, now part of the broadcasting team covering the series, voiced his strong disapproval on Star Sports. “The media and newspapers here are crossing the limits of ‘doglapan’ (hypocrisy). They build him up as a ‘king’ and then tear him down, calling him a ‘joker,’ just to sell their stories and sensationalize cricket. This exploitation of Virat Kohli’s name for personal gain is unacceptable,” Irfan Pathan remarked.
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He emphasized that while Kohli’s aggression should be subject to match regulations, labeling him a clown was uncalled for and disrespectful. Pathan accused the Australian media of leveraging Kohli’s market value to draw attention, highlighting their contradictory stance by pointing out that they celebrate his greatness only to vilify him when it suits their narrative.
🗣 @IrfanPathan Pathan doesn’t hold back, calls out the #Australian media on the Kohli-Konstas incident 🫣#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 2 LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/S26P7Oq3b0
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 27, 2024
Recalling his own experience of unfair treatment in Australia, Pathan shared an incident involving former Australian batter Damien Martyn. “During a previous tour, I dismissed Martyn and clapped in celebration. Martyn responded with abuse, yet I was fined while he walked away unscathed. This selective enforcement of rules reflects their double standards,” Irfan Pathan noted.
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Pathan criticized Australia’s long-standing tendency to apply different standards for their players compared to visiting teams. “They impose laws on outsiders but conveniently ignore the same rules for themselves. This has been their character for years,” he concluded.
The incident with Kohli has reignited discussions about the challenges Indian players face in Australia, both on and off the field. While Kohli remains focused on the game, the episode underscores the psychological battles cricketers often endure in high-stakes international rivalries.
