Virat’s aggression can backfire, feels Gavaskar
New Delhi, December 29
Not too impressed with Virat Kohli’s outbursts on and off the field, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar today said the aggression could backfire in the ongoing Test as the tourists already have their backs against the wall.
A dash of drama has been added to the match due to the constant exchange of words between the hosts and most prominently Kohli, who lambasted Steve Smith’s men in a press conference as well.
“I thought the press conference should have been about cricket rather than what went on the field. Generally, what happens on the field stays on the field. I am not too sure it was the wisest thing to do,” Gavaskar said.
“He (Kohli) might get fired up by all this and score a hundred but how does it affect the rest of the team. Are you trying to suggest that the likes of Sachin (Tendulkar), (Rahul) Dravid and VVS Laxman didn’t let off steam. They were also very tough,” he said.
Gavaskar said Kohli was well within his rights to respond when provoked but the Indian vice-captain should not initiate chatter with the Aussies. “If somebody says something don’t back off, you just stand up. There is nothing wrong with it. But I don’t think we should be starting it because it can have an impact. Let’s not forget it could have cost him his wicket,” said Gavaskar.
“I don’t know the reasons why he said what he said. But everybody has to look at whether it is going to affect the team. They had a go at Johnson and look what happened in Adelaide. You also have to look at whether it would be counter-productive and we have to wait and see tomorrow,” he added.
However, former Australian batsman Dean Jones felt Kohli’s outbursts are not unjustified. “I thought it was quite funny. I love the way he is. He likes to get into the opposition’s face and I have got no problem with that. I have no problem with what he says. He is good enough to be an Australian,” Jones said.
“It’s the new Indian youth coming through. They want to be the best, they are pushing boundaries and I have got no problem with the attitude.”
If Kohli wants to play aggressive, let him: Warner
Melbourne: Australian opener David Warner today said Kohli is free to play the way he wishes and the ICC is there to manage if anybody crosses the line. Tempers are rising with Kohli taking on the Aussies, especially Mitchell Johnson, with his own brand of aggression. Even today, Johnson was given quite a sendoff by the Indian players after being dismissed.
“I didn’t see what they said to Johnson but obviously Kohli was lurking around Brad Haddin. If that’s the way he wants to go about then let him be. At the end of the day we also play cricket the aggressive way. Though I personally feel that whatever happens in the field should stay on the field,” he said. When asked about Kohli’s lack of respect comments, Warner replied, “That’s his opinion. Whether it’s the right thing to say or not, it’s up to him. There is a line you cannot cross and it is for the ICC to manage with their fines and warnings.” — PTI
NUMBERS TELL A TALE
301 International wickets taken by Ishant Sharma. He took two wickets today, becoming the eighth Indian to take 300 international wickets.
8Dismissals effected by MS Dhoni in this Test, the most by an Indian keeper. Dhoni has done this thrice before. Nayan Mongia has done it twice.
3.5 Australia’s run rate in the second innings. It is their lowest in six innings in this series.
56 Runs scored for the fall of India’s last seven wickets. India were bowled out for 465 after being 409/3. This is the fifth consecutive innings in which India have lost five or more wickets for less than 100 runs.
