What’s the story?
After Virat Kohli’s explosive quotes in the post-series press conference where he stated that his friendship with the Australians was over, there was sure to be a backlash from the Australian media. They have not needed much to go after India’s skipper in the last couple of months, but Kohli’s words reignited a dying fire.
The Aussie media is not one to back down and they have since responded in the following fashion –
Headline in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph – “Virat Kohli had to shake hands and move on after series win but he acted like a child.” The very same article went on to call him an egomaniac.
Another headline read – “Beergate: Kohli’s latest classless act.”
From the Herald Sun – “All Virat Kohli had to do was say sorry. Steve Smith did.”
From The Australian – “If there were any doubts about the poor spirit between the Indian and Australian sides it was confirmed after the series when the home side shunned a suggestion the two sides drink together.”
The context
In the post-series presser, Kohli left the Australians with a stinging parting blow –
This was after Australia’s Steven Smith did his best to try to make peace between the two teams by apologising for his behavior through the course of the series. “I have been pretty intense throughout this series. I really wanted to do well for the team. At times I have been in my own bubble and have let my emotions slip. I apologise for that.” the Aussie skipper said.
The details
There was bound to be a spillover from the explosive post-series press conference. Cricket.com.au made sure they highlighted Kohli’s jibe by posting the video on their Twitter channel right after they posted a video of Smith being apologetic.
The Indian skipper is no stranger to receiving hate from the Australian media however. Through the course of the series, they tried to ruffle the 28-year-old’s feathers. While they did liken him to Donald Trump, the ‘Vettel of the week’ contest run by Fox Sports almost made the Trump comparison seem graceful.
What’s next?
That is pretty much the final chapter of the long back-and-forth saga that has dominated the India-Australia Test series. One can only hope that fans remember the quality of cricket that was on display and not everything that happened off the field.
Author’s take
The breakdown in the Kohli-Australia relationship is dishearting and frankly, petty. Kohli will be rubbing shoulders with a number of Australians in the upcoming IPL and we’re sure things will ease as the players spend time together off the field.
During the India tour of Australia in 2014-15, Glenn Maxwell took it upon himself to show Kohli around the country, and that was appreciated by the Indian skipper. The Australian media did their best to act as the 12th man to their team, and they did succeed, to an extent. Kohli’s form was below average through the series, but the team spirit he has instilled over the last 24 months was enough to take his side over the line in an incredible Test series.
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