Picture Credit: X
The fourth Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has been nothing short of an entertainer. Coming into the fourth Test, India was marred with several controversies. These controversies began soon after the Indian cricket team landed in Melbourne, where former India captain and batting stalwart Virat Kohli was seen getting into an argument with a female reporter.
However, Kohli was labelled a “bully” by an Australian journalist for “berating” the female reporter, things escalated taking a new turn with the Aussie media claiming Ravindra Jadeja of skipping questions in English during the build-up to the MCG Test. However, all these were put to rest as the Boxing Day Test began in Melbourne, but Kohli continued to be in the cusp of controversy after being involved in a shoulder-bump with debutant Sam Konstas.
Kevin Pietersen stands in support of Virat Kohli amid MCG scrutiny
Amid mounting criticism from several former cricketers as well as Australian media and fans alike, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has stepped up in support of veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli. The former England cricketer hailed Kohli’s presence and theatrics, which he brings to the game of cricket.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pietersen wrote, “Virat creating theatre down under! Let's GO! Imagine how boring it would be without the showman!” He further lauded Kohli’s remarkable career, emphasising that many players would retire happily after achieving just a quarter of what Kohli has accomplished.
It is to be noted that Virat Kohli yet again had a forgettable outing in the first Indian innings in the MCG Test. The 36-year-old departed, having scored 36 off 86 deliveries with his innings being laced with four boundaries. In the six innings so far in BGT 2024-25, Kohli has amassed 162 runs with his highest score coming in the second innings of Perth Test (100*).
