Former Australian cricketer Ian Healy might have been offended with Virat Kohli’s aggressive mannerisms on and off the pitch, but other legends of the game are already in awe of it.
While Kohli himself landed a befitting reply by asking journalists to go through Healy’s reaction after he was given out at the Centurion back in 1997, former cricketers have lauded the Indian captain for his aggressive approach towards the game.
On being reminded at the post-match conference that he had been criticized by the Aussie, Kohli replied: “[I’ll lose respect] in his eyes? We’ve got 1.2 billion people in India. One person doesn’t make a difference to my life. And also I think you should go and search on YouTube, when he was given out in Centurion, down the leg side. I heard he said something about me not having good behaviour with umpires – I think you all should YouTube that video and I think, yeah, that says it all. Just see that video and next time you ask me the same question.”
{{/usCountry}}On being reminded at the post-match conference that he had been criticized by the Aussie, Kohli replied: “[I’ll lose respect] in his eyes? We’ve got 1.2 billion people in India. One person doesn’t make a difference to my life. And also I think you should go and search on YouTube, when he was given out in Centurion, down the leg side. I heard he said something about me not having good behaviour with umpires – I think you all should YouTube that video and I think, yeah, that says it all. Just see that video and next time you ask me the same question.”
{{/usCountry}}Healy was given out caught behind while his side was trailing by 157 runs in the third Test of a three-match series in which that Australia had taken an unassailable 2-0 lead. They set a paltry target of just 29 runs for the Proteas, which they managed to chase down in 6.4 overs.
However, as has been the case always with former Aussie cricketers during a series between the two nations, Healy had stated: “The pressure is starting to tell on (Kohli). I’m losing respect for him. He’s not only now continuing his disrespect of the Australian players and umpires, but I think he’s putting pressure on his own players now.”
However, that’s not what a few former cricketers felt. According to West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards, the Indian captain’s aggression was the icing on the cake of the gripping four-day match.
However, that’s not what a few former cricketers felt. According to West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards, the Indian captain’s aggression was the icing on the cake of the gripping four-day match.
Kumar Sangakkara went a step ahead, categorically refuting that the aggression has helped the No 1 Test side and Kohli has been able to inspire them throughout.
However, the best of the lot was from South African speedstar Dale Steyn.