Exploring the Most Controversial Moments of Virat Kohli in Test Cricket
Virat Kohli’s Test cricket journey has been filled with intense moments that highlight his fierce competitiveness and emotional style of play. From his controversial gestures against Australian crowds to confrontations with opponents and disputes over DRS decisions, Kohli has become one of the most passionate players in the history of the format. These incidents have shaped his career, showcasing not only his talent but also his fiery persona on the field.
## Early Controversies: The Middle-Finger Incident
Kohli’s first major controversy in Test cricket occurred during the 2012 Sydney Test. While fielding, he faced relentless verbal abuse from the Australian fans, leading him to respond with a middle-finger gesture. This reaction resulted in a 50% fine on his match fee from the ICC. Despite the sanction, Kohli defended his actions by stating that the crowd’s behavior had crossed the line of acceptable conduct. This incident marked the beginning of Kohli’s reputation for fiery competitiveness, setting the stage for many more intense moments in his career.
## Leadership Under Fire: The Adelaide Test
In 2014, Kohli captained India for the first time in a Test match against Australia in Adelaide, filling in for the injured MS Dhoni. This match was characterized by heated exchanges between Kohli and Australian players like Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin. Despite facing aggressive bouncers and sledging, Kohli showcased his resilience with two centuries, leading India’s aggressive response throughout the match. After the game, he made headlines by declaring, “I respect a few of them, but I have no reason to respect anyone who doesn’t respect me,” emphasizing his fierce competitive spirit and leadership qualities.
## The DRS Controversy and Rivalries
The 2017 Bengaluru Test against Australia marked another significant moment in Kohli’s career as he accused the Australian team of cheating. This was triggered when Steve Smith was seen looking towards the dressing room for DRS assistance. While Smith described it as a “brain fade,” Kohli insisted it was part of a larger pattern. Additionally, his rivalry with James Anderson has been a focal point over multiple series. After struggling against Anderson in 2014, Kohli returned in 2018 with a remarkable performance, scoring 593 runs and engaging in intense verbal exchanges that added to their competitive narrative.
## Recent Incidents: The 2024 Boxing Day Test
Most recently, during the 2024 Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Kohli found himself in the spotlight once again. He had a brief shoulder brush with debutant Sam Konstas, which resulted in an ICC sanction. Following the match, Konstas praised Kohli, calling him “a lovely person” and a “legend of the game” during their post-match conversation. This incident reflects Kohli’s ongoing presence in the cricketing world, where his competitive nature continues to draw attention, even in moments of camaraderie.
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