Trisha Ghosal in Melbourne
There’s a saying in cricket: “Play hard, play fair.” But when it comes to the Australian cricketing ecosystem—media, crowd, and sometimes players—one wonders if the “fair” part has been conveniently forgotten. This Test series has brought to the fore not just great cricket but also the sheer pettiness of the Australian media and crowd, who seem rattled by an Indian team that refuses to buckle under pressure.
The latest target of their scorn? Virat Kohli, arguably one of the greatest cricketers of this generation, a match-winner whose exploits have redefined the game. And how is this modern-day legend being treated? Booed by crowds, called a “clown” in Australian newspapers, and abused by fans simply for daring to compete fiercely in the sport he loves.
The Konstas Incident: A Convenient Narrative
The flashpoint for this drama? A minor collision between Kohli and 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Test. Sure, Kohli bumped Konstas and combat has no place in the cricket field, but let’s not forget that Konstas also deviated from his line. Kohli was rightly fined, but Konstas walked away without any punishment. Fair enough, if that’s the interpretation of the laws. But then came the hypocritical outcry: “He’s just a 19-year-old!” The Australian media cried, while conveniently forgetting their “hard cricket” philosophy.
If Kohli’s aggression warrants public humiliation, why doesn’t Konstas face even a fraction of the scrutiny? The selective outrage reeks of double standards, exposing how rattled the Australian cricketing fraternity is by Kohli’s mere presence.
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The Human Side of Virat Kohli
Let’s not forget, Kohli is more than just a cricketer; he’s a human being. A father who recently asked for privacy for his child—a perfectly reasonable request blown out of proportion by the same media now calling him a clown. A man who, despite relentless abuse from fans, continues to play the game with unmatched passion and drive.
Consider this: Kohli’s contributions to cricket are monumental. He’s amassed runs, broken records, and carried India to historic victories on foreign soil. He’s done all of this while facing scrutiny few players in history have endured.
The Australian Double Standard
This is the same Australia that gave us Sandpaper gate, a scandal that forever tarnished the integrity of the game. It’s the same crowd that hurled racial abuse at Mohammed Siraj, and the same media that conveniently brushes off their players’ indiscretions as “playing hard.” If playing hard is part of their cricketing DNA, then why are they so rattled by Kohli’s intensity?
Let’s not forget, this series is currently levelled at 1-1, and Australia is facing the uncomfortable reality that India isn’t 3-0 down.
The Indian Fan’s Hypocrisy
But here’s the harshest truth: Indians aren’t entirely innocent in this saga. We idolise Kohli when he’s scoring centuries, flood him with selfie requests, and fawn over his achievements. But the moment he faces criticism—be it for his aggression, his personal life, or his on-field conduct—we abandon him. Worse, we join the chorus against him, attacking his character and even his family.
Contrast this with the Australian media and fans, who stood by their team even after the Sandpaper gate disgrace. They rallied around their players, brushing off the scandal and focusing on their match-winning abilities. Why can’t we, as Indians, show the same unity? Kohli has carried Indian cricket for over a decade, often single-handedly winning games. If we can’t back him in his moments of need, do we even deserve to call him our own?
The Larger Issue
The real issue here isn’t just the treatment of Kohli but what it represents. The Australian media’s attack on Kohli is symbolic of their discomfort with India’s rise in cricket. India is no longer the pushover team of the 90s; it’s a dominant force capable of beating Australia on their turf. Kohli, as the face of this transformation, bears the brunt of their frustration.
As fans, we have a choice. We can either continue to let the narrative be dictated by a hypocritical media or stand by the players who have given us so much joy and pride. Kohli is no clown; he’s a warrior who wears his heart on his sleeve. And the sooner we realise that, the sooner we can silence the detractors who thrive on tearing him down.
So the next time the Australian media calls Kohli a clown, remember this: they’re not mocking him; they’re terrified of him. And they should be.
Also Read: Bruised but Unbowed: The Parallel Grit of Labuschagne and Pujara