During the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Indian cricketer Virat Kohli encountered significant hostility from the Australian crowd, a reaction stemming from an earlier on-field altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas.
The Incident with Sam Konstas
On the opening day of the Test match, tensions escalated when Virat Kohli and Konstas collided on the field. The incident, perceived by many as intentional on Kohli’s part, led to widespread criticism. The International Cricket Council (ICC) intervened, imposing a fine of 20% of Kohli’s match fee and adding a demerit point to his disciplinary record.
Crowd’s Reaction at the MCG
The following day, as Kohli took to the field, he was met with boos and jeers from sections of the MCG crowd. The hostility intensified during his batting stint; upon his dismissal for 36 runs, the crowd’s derision grew louder. While making his way back to the pavilion, Kohli briefly halted and turned towards the spectators, indicating his awareness of their taunts. Security personnel promptly intervened, guiding him towards the dressing room.
Pitch Invasion Incident
Adding to the day’s controversies, a pitch invader managed to breach security, approaching Kohli on the field. The individual, wearing a shirt emblazoned with a political message, placed an arm around Kohli before security escorted him away. This breach raised concerns about player safety and the adequacy of security measures at the venue.
Diverse Reactions from the Cricket Community
The crowd’s treatment of Kohli has sparked a spectrum of reactions within the cricketing fraternity. Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar criticized the crowd’s behavior, labeling it as “unacceptable” and emphasizing the need for spectators to uphold sportsmanship. Conversely, some commentators opined that Kohli’s prior actions on the field may have provoked such reactions, suggesting a degree of inevitability to the crowd’s response.
Kohli’s Response
Known for his passionate approach to the game, Kohli appeared visibly perturbed by the crowd’s hostility. His decision to confront the spectators, albeit briefly, underscores the emotional strain such incidents can impose on players. While athletes are accustomed to facing adversarial environments, the overt display of animosity from the crowd at the MCG was notably intense.