NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli‘s relationship with the Australian crowd has been a fascinating mix of admiration and animosity over the years.
As one of the most celebrated and fiery players in cricket, Kohli has often been the centre of heated exchanges and thrilling performances in Australia.
Kohli’s on-field aggression and competitive spirit have often clashed with the Australian crowd’s tendency to sledge players they consider a threat. His passionate celebrations, verbal spats, and in-your-face attitude have occasionally drawn boos and jeers from Australian fans.
The first day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the MCG saw Kohli being involved in a shoulder-bump confrontation with Sam Konstas and was fined 20 percent of his match fees and was given a demerit point for a Level One breach of the ICC code of conduct.
As expected, Kohli was booed by the hostile Aussie fans when he came to bat after Tea on the second day of the Test on Friday.
After his dismissal, Kohli was booed off the ground while returning to the pavilion. A video showed the former India captain returning halfway to stare and respond to some fans who had seemingly said something inappropriate.
A visibly upset Kohli was then escorted to the dressing room by a member of the security staff.
This was one of the many incidents and run-ins that Kohli has had with the Aussie crowd.
During India’s 2011-12 tour of Australia, Kohli famously showed his middle finger to the crowd after being heckled at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This act cemented him as a villain for a section of Australian supporters.
The crowd has often targeted Kohli with chants, boos, and attempts to rile him up, especially during high-stakes matches or when Australia struggled to contain him.
But Kohli‘s consistent performances on Australian soil have gradually turned animosity into respect. He is one of the few visiting players to average over 50 in Tests and ODIs in Australia.
His iconic knocks, such as the 169 in Melbourne (2014) and his domination in the 2016 T20 World Cup, showcased his skill and determination.
Kohli’s sportsmanship and mutual respect for Australian legends like Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting have softened the crowd’s stance. Notably, during the 2019 World Cup, he gestured to Indian fans to applaud Steve Smith amidst the “cheating” chants, and earned widespread praise.
Kohli has openly spoken about how he thrives on the energy and challenge posed by the Australian crowd, even when it is negative. His acknowledgment of their passion has resonated with the fans.
Kohli led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia, a historic moment that made even his critics admire his leadership and performance.
He has often received standing ovations at the MCG after exceptional innings, indicating the crowd’s acknowledgment of his brilliance.
Kohli’s unforgettable knock against Pakistan at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup earned roaring applause from a mixed crowd of Indian and Australian fans.
The love-hate relationship between Virat Kohli and the Australian crowd is emblematic of the competitive spirit and passion that cricket inspires.
While the “hate” stems from his dominance and confrontational style, the “love” emerges from his undeniable greatness and sportsmanship.
Kohli thrives in this atmosphere, making it one of the most compelling narratives in modern cricket.
