Virat Kohli Faces Hostile Aussie Crowd in Boxing Day Test
Virat Kohli‘s clash with the Australian crowd made headlines on Day 2 of the MCG’s Boxing Day Test. After being jeered upon his arrival at the crease, Kohli was targeted throughout his innings. Following his dismissal for 36 runs, he had a heated exchange with the hostile crowd.
Heated Argument with Crowd Escalates
It happened just after Kohli was out, for 36 off 86 balls, by Scott Boland. As Kohli walked back to the pavilion, the crowd taunted him. They jeered and made comments, pushing the limits of sportsmanship. At first, Kohli was unfazed. He tried to leave the field quietly. But, when the crowd’s behavior crossed the line, he turned to confront them.
Security personnel quickly intervened to defuse the situation as Kohli spoke with some in the crowd. No fight happened. But, the argument showed the tense dynamic between Kohli and Australian fans. They often target him during tours Down Under.
Virat Kohli’s Love-Hate Relationship with the Aussie Crowd
Virat Kohli thrives under pressure. He has, historically, used hostile crowds to fuel his performances. When he came out to bat after KL Rahul’s dismissal, the MCG crowd booed him. This only seemed to galvanize Kohli.
It is very sad & heartbreaking to see the way crowds behaved with Virat Kohli today at the MCG. 🥺 💔
– Virat Kohli is the Greatest Cricketer of this Generation and treating him like this is totally unacceptable. This is sad, Very sad…!!!! pic.twitter.com/Jub3occdkc
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 27, 2024
Despite the distractions, Kohli batted with patience and discipline. He left deliveries outside off stump and waited for scoring chances. His knock of 36, while not a big score, was one of the grittiest of his tour. The conditions were tough, and India’s top order had been dismissed early.
Virat Kohli’s MCG Innings in Context
Kohli’s gritty 36 fell short of his high standards. But, it was his best innings of the series, given the context. Unlike his century in Perth, which came on a eased-out pitch, the MCG was tougher. It had a hostile Australian pace attack.
Kohli walked in at a precarious position after losing two quick wickets. He showed great resolve. He left balls outside off stump and waited for loose deliveries. However, fatigue creeped in as he chased a delivery from Scott Boland. He edged it to Alex Carey for an easy dismissal.
Key Highlights
- Dismissal: Kohli fell for 36 off 86 balls, caught behind off Scott Boland.
- Crowd Jeers: The Melbourne crowd booed Kohli as he walked to the crease and after his dismissal.
- Confrontation: Kohli traded words with the crowd after being taunted. Security had to separate them.
- MCG Performance: Kohli batted with patience and discipline. Then, he lost focus and got out.
Virat Kohli’s Boxing Day Test Performance: A Reflection
Kohli’s innings wasn’t his most flashy. But, it showed he can grind in tough situations. His heated argument with the crowd fueled his rivalry with Australian cricket fans. It further cemented his status as a polarizing figure in the sport.
India’s position in the match remains precarious, with the team struggling at 164/5 at stumps on Day 2. Kohli’s gritty play wasn’t enough to turn the tide. India now faced a mountain to climb as the game progressed.
