Kohli and Johnson exchange words on Day 3 of the MCG Test.
© AP
Virat Kohli has been in top form with the bat on India's tour of Australia, having slammed three hundreds in as many Tests. Experts have been impressed with the 26 year-old's range of shots and never-say-die attitude but the same men are upset at Kohli's constant sledging of the Australian cricketers, particularly his verbal duels with Mitchell Johnson.(Day 4 Report | Scorecard | Highlights)
Kohli was involved in a war of words with Johnson on Day 3 of the third Test at the MCG during the course of his ninth hundred and he was at it again on Monday. The aggressive Delhi batsman first welcomed Brad Haddin to the crease, giving him a mouthful before giving a sendoff to Johnson, who complained to the umpires. The onfield umpires were seen having a word with an animated Kohli.(Kohli, Johnson Battle Sets up Day 5)
Speaking on STAR SPORTS, former Test batsman Sanjay Manjrekar and Australian legend Matthew Hayden agreed Kohli needed to control his emotions for the sake of the team. Manjrekar, one of the most respected commentators in the world, asked Hayden if India needed to get used to the new territory an aggressive Kohli was taking the team towards, Hayden answered in the affirmative but more importantly added that the temperamental cricketer needed to get used to himself.(Kohli Can Dominate India's Next Era: Gavaskar )
"Kohli has to get used to himself and his emotions. He has to understand what it takes to do well for the team. It is not the Kohli show, it is the Indian cricket show," Hayden said. "It is great to have emotions but he also needs to control those emotions."
On Sunday, Johnson's return throw hit Kohli and that triggered a bitter war of words. The Aussie bowler apologized immediately but Kohli was having none of it. He vented his anger at a press conference at the end of play and said he had no respect for Johnson.
Hayden said Johnson's throw was not deliberate and Kohli, as leader of a young batting group, needed to be more matured.
"Kohli is also going to lead the batting group. India are trailing 2-0 in the series and he was out off the last ball of the day. Kohli needed to bat and enjoy being there at the end of the day," Hayden said.
Kohli fell to Johnson at the fag end on Sunday, who came back on the fourth morning to wipe off the Indian tail, giving Australia a healthy 65-run lead.
Hayden also took exception to Kohli's statement that the Australian team did not respect him.
"He (Kohli) mentions the issue of respect. It is big comment for a cricketer. I want to play the game hard but I would also love to earn respect. That is almost a moral word."
Hayden and Manjrekar were not the only ones wondering where Kohli was going with his over-the-top sledging. Sunil Gavaskar, a firm believer in never backing out of a confrontation, blamed the Indians for being the provokers this time.
"After Phillip Hughes' unfortunate incident, the Australians have been withdrawn. This is not what you expect of the Aussies. This time it is the Indians who have started the sledging and it will be for them to finish it," Gavaskar said.
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