IND vs AUS: Indian fans slam Australia for shaming Virat Kohli; urge Aussies to reflect on their sledging history
The incident between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy sparked a debate after Ricky Ponting's comments. Indian fans hit back, recalling Australia's sledging history. At stumps on Day 1, Australia reached 311/6.
Who is right or wrong in this situation will be for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to judge after they review the incident that took place between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas during the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
However, what seems to have triggered Indian fans, who are also divided on this issue, are former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting's comments on the incident that occurred on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test as well as those of the Australian fans.
What did Ricky Ponting say?
According to Ricky Ponting, Kohli deliberately walked across the pitch to confront Konstas. Speaking on Channel Seven, Ponting said, "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever," he said.
"Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever."
¡ª 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
- Ricky Ponting #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A
Ponting also expressed confidence that match officials would thoroughly review the incident. He added saying, "Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fielder on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together."
Indian fans' reaction:
Soon after these comments, along with many other cricket fans¡ªespecially Australians¡ªshaming Kohli for his actions, Indian fans, who were also not pleased with Kohli's behavior, began sharing old videos of when the Australian team had done the same to Indian youngsters.
Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express how Australians love sledging and have done it numerous times, urging them to reflect on their own history before pointing fingers at Kohli.
Oh quite mighty coming from you guys .
¡ª VantagePoint ?? (@Vantage_Point00) December 26, 2024
This was Mitchell Johnson to kohli on his debut match . pic.twitter.com/J5kHK0Ylwq
Atleast Kohli isn¡¯t acting like a umpire what you and your team did in that 2008 tour
¡ª ????? ?????? Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) December 26, 2024
Better you know what you guys were doing before pointing a finger on Kohli
Let referee do whatever he want can¡¯t listen the moral values from you
Ricky Ponting ??#ViratKohli?
What Ricky pointing did with young harbhajan singh
¡ª Arvind kannaujiya AK94 (@Asliarvind1) December 26, 2024
Is this right why always target Virat kohli Australian media ? pic.twitter.com/IkIxyMNC5J
Yes, Virat Kohli shouldn't have walked into the path of young Sam Konstas. But spare me the sanctimonious stuff from players who are supposed to have sledged Chris Cairns about his sister passing away in a train accident.
¡ª Debayan Sen (??????) (@debayansen) December 26, 2024
Hello gentleman @RickyPonting pic.twitter.com/3yNHxYiCug https://t.co/8QLoN2rBVU
¡ª Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) December 26, 2024
Ricky Ponting and morality. Joke.
¡ª Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 26, 2024
Let the match referee and icc officials do what they need to. But Ponting talking about morality stinks. @RevSportzGlobal
Ponting giving morality lessons on how to behave on field. https://t.co/X4PE3uUfTE pic.twitter.com/Jl5SKHO5oM
¡ª Crazy Cricket Memes (@CrazyCricMemes) December 26, 2024
About IND vs AUS, 4th Test:
At stumps on Day 1, Australia saw their debutant, Sam Konstas set the tone, and the rest follow suit. Australia posted their first 50+ opening stand of the series, ensuring the other batters weren't exposed to the new ball.
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith all capitalised on the strong start, each notching up their respective fifties. India fought back in the final session, but Smith and Carey took Australia to 311 for 6 after 86 overs.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets, while Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar each claimed one.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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