The local newspapers increased the criticism, naming Kohli a “coward” and a “crybaby” for his behavior on the field.
Virat Kohli has been called a ‘Clown’ by the Australian media, though Indian media considers this to be an insult to the star cricketer.
The dispute developed on the first day of Australia’s Boxing Day Test match against India. Kohli was embroiled in a heated incident when he purposely collided with 19-year-old debutant batsman Sam Konstas, hurting him on the shoulder.
Notably, Sam Konstas had hit some incredible strokes against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, which appeared to worry Kohli. Kohli used verbal taunting and a purposeful physical confrontation to disrupt Konstas’ focus and confidence.
The Australian media has been quick to condemn Kohli, with a local newspaper’s headline referring to him as a “clown,” a term that has now spread on social media.
In response to the incident, the International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Kohli 20% of his match fee and issued one demerit point. However, Australian media and veteran cricketers saw the sentence as insufficient, calling for at least a one-match suspension.
Former Australian cricketers also joined in, calling the penalty too light. The local media increased the criticism, calling Kohli a “coward” and a “crybaby” for his on-field conduct.
