'It's not BCCI office': Virat Kohli slammed for 'mannerless' behaviour during meeting with Australian PM
A video of the Indian cricket team meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese before the fifth Border-Gavaskar Test has gone viral, with Virat Kohli facing criticism online for his perceived lack of etiquette while greeting the head of state.
A video showing the Indian cricket team meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ahead of the fifth and final Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has gone viral¡ªbut not for the reasons one might expect. While the video was meant to highlight the diplomatic moment, it has sparked online backlash, with internet users taking aim at Virat Kohli. The 36-year-old cricketer, already facing heavy criticism for his lacklustre performance in the series, has become the target of renewed scrutiny for his 'mannerless' behaviour.
'Display of sheer audacity by Virat Kohli'
The clip from the Indian cricket team's meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on January 1 has got people on the internet saying, "It's not BCCI office."
You don¡¯t stand and walk around a Prime Minster with hands in your pockets. Virat needs to learn this. It¡¯s not BCCI office. pic.twitter.com/1BPtpyjNT4
¡ª Wokeflix (@wokeflix_) January 2, 2025
In the video, while all the players greet Albanese with respect, Virat Kohli stands out for keeping his hands in his pockets, only removing one to shake the Prime Minister's hand before slipping back into his relaxed pose.
The 61-year-old Albanese, meanwhile, appeared in high spirits, even saying, "I've got to show you something," before grabbing his phone.
While the interaction seemed lighthearted and friendly, some online commenters were less than pleased.
One user wrote, "You don't stand and walk around a Prime Minister with your hands in your pockets. Virat needs to learn this." Another called it a "serious lapse of protocol."
Serious lapse of protocol and display of sheer audacity by @imVkohli while meeting a head of the state.
¡ª Shankar Mandagere (@MeShankara) January 2, 2025
People that criticized Pat Cummins for keeping his legs before the World Cup trophy are silent now !!
This is actually embarrassing, this arrogant #ViratKohli has no manners
¡ª Lady Khabri (@KhabriBossLady) January 2, 2025
Even in BCCI office, it isn't appropriate but be courteous atleast in international forums like these.
¡ª Alpaca Girl?? (@Alpakanya) January 2, 2025
However, not everyone was critical. Some defended Kohli, saying, "It's just a habit, he doesn't mean to disrespect him."
He doesn't mean to disrespect him..it's just a habit
¡ª ??????? ? (@harshit_336) January 2, 2025
India's poor performance at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy took a disappointing turn for Team India after their defeat in the Boxing Day Test, putting them at a 1-2 disadvantage in the five-match series.
With the fifth Test now being a must-win for India, there are speculations about significant changes in the playing XI.
Media reports suggest that captain Rohit Sharma may be replaced by Shubman Gill.
Additionally, Akash Deep is sidelined due to a back injury, and Rishabh Pant¡¯s spot is reportedly under review, with Dhruv Jurel waiting for his chance.
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