The fourth Test match of the five-match series between India and Australia is underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Despite India’s promising start, the match has largely swung in Australia’s favor over the first two days. Adding to the tension, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli found himself at the center of controversy once again.
Kohli, known for his fiery demeanor, became the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. On Day 1, he was fined by the ICC for a breach of conduct after a heated moment on the field. Day 2 brought another display of frustration when Kohli nearly lost his temper with Australian fans after his dismissal, but intervention by an ICC official diffused the situation. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
The Incident: Kohli and Australian Fans
In a video shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), Kohli can be seen returning to the dressing room after his dismissal, only to face jeering and taunts from Australian fans. Initially walking away, the visibly annoyed Kohli turned back in anger, seemingly ready to confront the crowd. However, an individual wearing an ICC-branded T-shirt intervened, placing a hand on Kohli’s shoulder and urging him to let it go, eventually escorting him back inside.
The moment, captured on video, has sparked widespread discussion, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the star batter’s reaction.
Day 2 Recap: Australia Dominates
Australia continued to dominate the proceedings on Day 2, piling up an imposing total of 474 runs in their first innings. In response, India faltered, ending the day at 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs to avoid a follow-on.
Kohli, despite showing glimpses of form, fell victim to his recurring weakness, chasing a delivery outside off stump. He scored 36 runs off 86 balls, including three boundaries, before being dismissed by Scott Boland. India’s innings had a shaky start as skipper Rohit Sharma departed for just 3 runs. KL Rahul followed soon after, dismissed for 24 right before the tea break.
The only bright spot was a 102-run partnership between Kohli and young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored an impressive 82 before being run out. However, Kohli’s dismissal triggered a collapse, with India losing quick wickets to finish the day at 164/5. Nightwatchman Akash Deep fell without scoring, leaving Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) unbeaten at the crease.
India now needs 110 more runs to avoid the follow-on, a challenging task given Australia’s commanding position in the match.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.