Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has come underneath hearth from the Australian media following a heated trade with a reporter and a cameraman at Melbourne Airport forward of the Boxing Day Take a look at. The incident, which occurred final Thursday, has sparked controversy, with Kohli being labeled a “bully” by 9 Sports activities reporter Tony Jones.
Kohli, who was touring along with his household, reportedly expressed frustration at being filmed upon his arrival on the airport. The cricketer’s irritation was caught on digicam, resulting in sharp criticism from Australian journalists.
9 Sports activities reporter calls out Virat Kohli
Tony Jones, talking on Melbourne’s 3AW radio, accused Kohli of unfairly concentrating on Channel 7 reporter Nat Yoannidis through the confrontation. Jones defined that the reporters and cameramen current have been merely doing their jobs.
“Nat was there with a cameraman, as was a Channel 7 reporter along with his cameraman, doing what we routinely do—protecting public figures, be they politicians or sports activities personalities,” Jones mentioned. “Kohli, being the worldwide celebrity that he’s, took problem with the eye targeted on him. However what actually obtained to me was when he turned to the male crew members and mentioned, ‘You guys are wonderful, it’s her.’”
Jones additional criticized Kohli for singling out Yoannidis, who he described as being considerably smaller in stature. “Massive powerful man, Virat. He stood over Nat Yoannidis, who’s about 5 foot one or two, and completely berated her. You’re nothing however a bully, Virat,” Jones remarked.
Additionally WATCH: Virat Kohli loses cool at journalist upon his arrival at Melbourne Airport, video goes viral
Ravindra Jadeja additionally underneath hearth
The controversy prolonged past Kohli, with star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja additionally going through criticism. Jadeja held a press convention carried out totally in Hindi, a call that pissed off some Australian journalists who have been anticipating responses in English. The language barrier reportedly prompted confusion, drawing additional ire from the native media.
Ongoing tensions forward of Boxing Day Take a look at
The incident provides one other layer to the simmering tensions between the 2 cricketing nations forward of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Take a look at. Whereas the Indian workforce has remained silent on the difficulty, the Australian media’s scrutiny highlights the extreme highlight on gamers throughout worldwide excursions.
As India and Australia put together to face off in one other Take a look at of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, these off-field controversies are more likely to maintain the highlight firmly fastened on the gamers each on and off the pitch.
