When Virat Kohli landed in Perth last month, for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, the Australian media went berserk. They welcomed the “king” back and hailed him with praise and even headlined in Hindi to appeal to the Indian audience. The air was full of admiration as the cricketing world saw a Kohli in Australia, and things would take a sharp turn in the weeks that followed.

Tensions Erupt After The Melbourne Incident

The turning point occurred during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne and Australian Media was fast enough to take a U-turn. On Day 1, as the 10th over was winding down, an odd altercation took place between Kohli and the Australian debutant Sam Konstas. After he faced the final delivery of the over, Konstas backed away from his crease to adjust his gloves while walking towards the other end. Kohli moved from the outer side of the crease and brushed past the young Aussie while doing that.

This minor collision quickly escalated into a heated exchange of words by both players. The umpires had to intervene to calm the situation.

Virat Kohli Gets Backlash From Australian Media – See Picture

The Australian media, who had earlier lavished Kohli with praise, immediately turned on him after the incident. The West Australian newspaper did not hold its tongue, slapping an unflattering headline across the incident: “Clown Kohli.” It went on to criticize Kohli’s actions, saying he was an “Indian sook” — a term used in Tasmania referring to someone perceived as weak or a “crybaby,” particularly a young person.

The article suggested that Kohli’s actions during the match were not only unsporting but also disrespecting Konstas, who was playing his Test debut. The harsh commentary painted Kohli as a petulant figure, referring to the incident as a “pathetic bump.”

Virat Kohli Fined 20% Of His Match Fees

The ICC charged Kohli with a Level 1 breach of its Code of Conduct, which resulted in a 20% fine on his match fee and the addition of a demerit point to his record. Kohli accepted these sanctions without contest, and the matter was settled with minimal further fallout.

Australian Media’s Double Standards

From being hailed as a cricketing icon to being labeled a “crybaby,” the Australian media has taken an unexpected turn. The Melbourne incident, though relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, highlighted the unpredictable dynamics of Kohli’s relationship with both the Australian media. While he faced consequences for his actions, this episode is likely to be remembered as one of the more controversial chapters in his career down under, underscoring the complexities of navigating high-pressure moments in the spotlight.