The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been marked by controversies revolving around Virat Kohli. The Indian batting stalwart found himself under the spotlight for the wrong reasons, starting with a shoulder bump on Australia’s 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas, which drew sharp criticism from the Australian media. As the match progressed into Day 2, the drama extended to the commentary box, sparking a heated exchange between former cricketers Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar.
During India’s chase of Australia’s mammoth 474 first-innings total, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli formed a crucial 102-run partnership for the third wicket. Jaiswal, batting on 82, attempted a quick single after striking the ball to mid-on. However, Kohli, seemingly unconvinced by the call, hesitated, leading to Jaiswal being run out.
The incident sparked debate in the commentary box, with Manjrekar openly criticizing Kohli for the mix-up. “The ball wasn’t traveling fast, and I don’t think Kohli would’ve been run out. It was Jaiswal’s call, and while it may have been risky, he was at the danger end. Kohli should’ve responded better. It was a schoolboy error to look back and decide against the run,” Sanjay Manjrekar remarked on Star Sports.
WATCH – Irfan Pathan Slams Australian Media For Hypocrisy Over Virat Kohli Controversy
In contrast, Irfan Pathan defended Kohli, arguing that the run was never on, given the ball’s proximity to the fielder. Pathan suggested Kohli made the right call by not committing. This led to a fiery exchange between the two commentators, with Manjrekar accusing Pathan of interrupting his viewpoint, retorting, “If you don’t want to let me talk, it’s alright.”
Sanjay Manjrekar vs Irfan Pathan #BGT2025 #ViratKohli𓃵 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/fQkPlT1ZYx
— The voice (@Theyoungvoice9) December 27, 2024
On the field, India’s innings unraveled quickly after Jaiswal’s dismissal. Kohli fell shortly after, nicking a delivery outside off-stump to Scott Boland. The momentum built by the Jaiswal-Kohli partnership dissipated as India slumped to 164/5 by stumps. Nightwatchman Akash Deep failed to anchor the innings, leaving all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to see off the day.
WATCH – Virat Kohli Faces Spectator Hostility After Dismissal During Boxing Day Test
At the close of play, India trailed Australia by 310 runs. With their top order back in the pavilion and the burden of avoiding a follow-on looming large, the visitors face an uphill battle to stay competitive in the match and the series.
