Virat Kohli, one of the most prolific batsmen in modern cricket, has left an indelible mark on the Test arena with his aggressive batting and passionate leadership. Debuting in 2011, Virat Kohli quickly rose through the ranks to become India’s Test captain in 2014, leading the team to numerous memorable victories, including a historic series win in Australia in 2018–19.
Known for his fiery temperament, Virat Kohli’s on-field demeanor has often been a topic of discussion, with several incidents highlighting his intense competitive spirit.
Here is a list of few such incidents:
1. Middle-Finger Gesture to Sydney Crowd (2012)
During India’s 2011–12 tour of Australia, Virat Kohli was caught on camera showing his middle finger to the Sydney crowd after enduring continuous sledging and taunts. The incident occurred during the second Test at the SCG and led to Virat Kohli being fined 50% of his match fee but Virat defended his actions by saying that crowd crossed all the limits of decency. This early episode showcased his fiery temperament and unwillingness to back down from confrontations.
2. Verbal Duel with Brad Haddin & Mitchell Johnson (Adelaide, 2014)
In the first Test of India’s 2014–15 tour of Australia at Adelaide, Virat Kohli engaged in heated exchanges with Australian players Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson. After being hit by a bouncer from Mitchell Johnson, Virat Kohli responded with verbal retorts, leading to a tense atmosphere on the field. Despite the confrontations, Virat Kohli scored centuries in both the innings, underlining his ability to thrive under pressure.
3. DRS Controversy with Steve Smith (Bengaluru, 2017)
A major controversy erupted during the second Test of the 2016–17 Border-Gavaskar Trophy when Australian captain Steve Smith was caught looking towards the dressing room for guidance on a DRS call after being given out LBW. Virat Kohli accused the Australian team of systematically abusing the DRS protocol, stating that it wasn’t an isolated incident. Smith later described his actions as a “brain fade” but the incident strained relations between the two teams.
4. Mic-Drop Celebration Mocking Joe Root (Edgbaston, 2018)
In the first Test of India’s 2018 tour of England, Kohli ran out England captain Joe Root with a direct hit and celebrated by mimicking Root’s “mic-drop” gesture from an earlier ODI series. The act was seen as a playful yet pointed response, adding spice to the rivalry between the two captains.
5. Rivalry with James Anderson (2014 & 2018)
Virat Kohli’s battles with England’s James Anderson have been a highlight of recent India-England Test series. In 2014, Anderson dismissed Virat Kohli four times, exposing vulnerability outside off-stump. However, in the 2018 series, Virat Kohli made significant adjustments, becoming the highest run-scorer with 593 runs and effectively countering Anderson’s threat.
6. Verbal Spat with Jos Buttler and Ollie Robinson (Lord’s, 2021)
During the second Test at Lord’s in 2021, tensions flared between Virat Kohli and English players Jos Buttler and Ollie Robinson. Verbal exchanges and sledging were prominent, especially on the final day, as India secured a memorable victory. Virat Kohli’s aggressive leadership and confrontational style were on full display, stimulating his team to a spirited win.
7. Stump mic outburst over DRS Decision (Cape Town, 2022)
In the third Test against South Africa at Cape Town, Virat Kohli was visibly frustrated after a DRS decision overturned an LBW call against Dean Elgar. He approached the stump mic and made sarcastic remarks, suggesting bias and questioning the technology’s credibility. The incident drew criticism for undermining the spirit of the game.
8. Shoulder Brush with Sam Konstas (Melbourne, 2024)
In the 2024 Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Virat Kohli was involved in a physical altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. After Sam Konstas played an impressive innings, Virat Kohli deliberately shoulder-barged him during a mid-pitch encounter, leading to a heated exchange. The act was widely condemned and Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee.
Virat Kohli’s Test career has been marked by exceptional performances and passionate leadership. While his aggressive demeanor has led to several controversies, it has also fueled his competitive edge, making him one of the most compelling figures in modern cricket. These incidents, though contentious, underscore the intensity and fervor Virat Kohli brings to the game.
Virat Kohli will always be missed by Test cricket lovers.
