Virat Kohli clashes with Aussie spectator after dismissal, Official intervenes

India’s star batter Virat Kohli found himself at the center of another controversy during Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Following his dismissal for 36, Kohli was provoked by a fan as he walked back to the dressing room, leading to a heated moment that required intervention from an official.

Kohli, who was batting fluently before a lapse in concentration, edged a delivery outside off-stump after the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal disrupted his rhythm. The crowd, predominantly Australian, greeted him with boos as he trudged back to the pavilion. While Kohli initially appeared unfazed, a comment from a spectator seemed to trigger his reaction.

Visibly agitated, Kohli turned and began walking towards the fan. An official quickly intervened, placing a hand on Kohli’s shoulder and calming him down before any further escalation could occur. The incident highlighted the mounting tension between Kohli and the Australian crowd, especially after his previous altercation with Sam Konstas during Day 1.

The altercation with Konstas had already placed Kohli under scrutiny. A shoulder bump between the two had led to a heated exchange before Usman Khawaja stepped in to defuse the situation. Kohli was subsequently fined 20 percent of his match fees, with Australian media and former players like Ricky Ponting calling for stricter penalties.

Adding to the drama, Kohli, while fielding on the boundary, gestured to the crowd to boo louder, showcasing his fiery demeanor amidst relentless taunts. The Indian batter has often thrived on such charged atmospheres but has also faced criticism for his on-field conduct.

The dismissals of Kohli and Jaiswal, who scored a brilliant 82 before an unfortunate run-out, left India struggling at 164/5 at the end of Day 2. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) remained unbeaten, as Australia gained the upper hand in the closely contested Test match.