‘Virat Kohli wanted confrontation and showdown’: Former RCB teammate blasts India stalwart

Virat Kohli‘s trip to Australia didn’t go as planned. Although he started brightly with a fine century in Perth, it ended on a sour note, with controversy and doubt surrounding his form. During the fourth Test in Melbourne, Kohli was involved in a shoulder collision with the Australian teenage debutant. Constas himselfwhich resulted in him being fined 20 percent of his match fee. Kohli also teased the Sydney crowd during the fifth Test by referring to “sandpaper”. Former Australian cricketer talks about these issues Simon Katic Kohli, who was previously the head coach of Indian Premier League franchise (IPL) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), said that Kohli had tarnished his reputation.

“There is no doubt that he (Kohli) is the greatest player of the modern era in all formats. But what kind of mental state was he in when he made physical contact in Melbourne and even on this tour? I think we need to question whether he was doing this.”Another disturbing incident in Sydney involved sandpaper being used on the pockets,” Mr Katich said. ESPN Australia’s Around the Wicket Show.

“What I’m saying is, per se, there was no need for it. It’s old news, so in a way I think he’s tarnished his reputation somewhat on this tour, both on and off the field.” added.

aaron finchthe experience of playing under Katich alongside Kohli at RCB in 2020 added to the emotion.

“It was just a level of frustration. I said last week that he looks like he wants conflicts and confrontations and that’s usually where he plays his best cricket. So he I just overdid it on this tour. The collision (with Constas), it was above anything I’ve seen on the field, and the sandpaper was unnecessary. “Overall, I think he was trying to find something that lit a fire inside of him, but he just wasn’t ready for that.”

Kohli scored just 190 runs in nine innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, with many successful deliveries outside the off-stump.