The aggressive 'King': Times Virat Kohli clashed with rivals on-field
Virat Kohli, known for his fiery passion on the field, often dominates headlines with his aggressive on-field antics. As he faces Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, we revisit moments when his intensity made him become 'The Aggressive King'.
A very passionate cricketer who wears his heart on his sleeve, Virat Kohli is known for showcasing his emotions on the field. While he has helped Team India win epic clashes on numerous occasions, his on-field antics often steal the spotlight. In fact, his aggression isn't limited to the field. Recently, he confronted an Australian journalist at Melbourne Airport for invading his privacy by taking photos of his family without consent.
Currently part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and playing the 4th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against Australia, Kohli was, as always, charged up and got involved in an altercation on Day 1 of the game. This isn't the first time he has had a war of words with his rivals. Let's take a look at a few instances when he became 'The Aggressive King' on the field.
Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas
The latest altercation on this list occurred with 19-year-old Aussie debutant Sam Konstas. In the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Kohli and Konstas shoulder-bumped on the field. The two also exchanged words, prompting Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough to intervene and de-escalate the situation.
"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
Interestingly, just days earlier, Konstas had expressed admiration for Kohli, stating that he was one of three individuals from whom he would dream of receiving a congratulatory text.
Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir
This feud began during the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) season when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Kohli had a verbal altercation with his former Indian teammate and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir after being dismissed in a match. The players had to be separated on the pitch.
Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir Rivalry Again???
¡ª ??Tanmay Kulkarni?? (@Tanmaycoolkarni) March 29, 2024
?? ?? Match Blockbuster ???? !??#KKRvRCB #RCBvKKR #TATAIPL2024 pic.twitter.com/iPSwvhTeGQ
The rivalry continued in IPL 2023 when Gambhir, the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and RCB's Kohli had another confrontation, with the two getting in each other's faces.
Virat Kohli vs James Faulkner
In the 2016 4th ODI against Australia in Canberra, Kohli had a heated exchange with James Faulkner. This incident surely had got things fired up, adding to the India vs Australia rivalry.
4. Virat Kohli vs. James Faulkner
¡ª Alok kumar (@Alokroniyar) August 30, 2024
During an ODI, India¡¯s Virat Kohli and Australia¡¯s James Faulkner had a verbal exchange that escalated as Kohli sarcastically asked Faulkner to ¡°go bowl some good balls¡± rather than trying to rile him up. pic.twitter.com/vvSO37VEVW
When Faulkner sledged him, Kohli famously retorted, "Go bowl, don't waste your time. You're wasting your energy. No point. I've smashed you enough in my life. Go bowl." Kohli went on to score a brilliant 106, but India lost the match by 25 runs.
Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson
Virat Kohli's aggression often peaks when facing Australia, and one of his most notable rivalries was with Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson. During the 2014 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, Kohli had several verbal exchanges with Johnson.
For those Indians and Australians abusing Virat kohli
¡ª SK Chatterjee ? (@SChatterjee02) December 26, 2024
This was Mitchell Johnson in 2014 tour. This happened after Phil Huges' death btw#ViratKohli #SamKonstas #INDvsAUS #BoxingDayTest pic.twitter.com/Dwamk7zvvG
One memorable incident occurred during the 3rd Test in Melbourne, when Johnson's throw struck Kohli on the body, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
Virat Kohli vs Naveen-ul-Haq
The incident occurred during the IPL 2023 season when Kohli and Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq, playing for LSG, had a fiery confrontation during the game. Tensions escalated further during the post-match handshake, resulting in a heated exchange. Afterward, Naveen posted an image of mangoes on his social media, paired with a picture of Kohli being dismissed for 1 in a match against the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Amit Mishra said - "Virat Kohli was unnecessarily abusing LSG players, Kyle mayers and Naveen Ul Haq badly, he could have avoided the fight but he didn't"#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/KwDU472TWE
¡ª Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) July 16, 2024
However, the two have since resolved their differences during the ODI World Cup 2023, when they were seen hugging on the field during the India vs. Afghanistan match.
Virat Kohli vs Rubel Hossain
This rivalry dates back to their U19 cricket days in 2008. It flared up during the 2011 World Cup match at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, when Kohli and Rubel exchanged fiery words. After Rubel bowled one outside the off stump, Kohli patted the ball back to him. Rubel pretended to throw the ball back, but didn¡¯t, which angered Kohli, who responded with a heated remark.
WATCH: Rubel Hossain take wicket of Virat Kohli to spark wild celebrations for #Banhttp://t.co/3D8a7rn8wV#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/sbcbON3ZGJ
¡ª ICC (@ICC) March 19, 2015
The two faced off again in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal at the MCG and Rubel was elated after taking the prized wicket of Kohli. As the batter walked past him, Rubel celebrated aggressively with his teammates, relishing the moment.
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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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