File photo of Virat Kohli at the SCG.
© Getty Images
For the uninitiated, the media manager at a recent Virat Kohli event had asked for questions to be restricted to cricket. But when a reporter asked, "how hurt was he after the lambasting members of Virat's personal life faced because of one poor show by Virat at the World Cup Semi Final," the media manager reminded all present that only questions on cricket would be entertained.
However, Virat stopped the media manager midway and said "I'll answer this question." (Virat Kohli disappointed at media treatment after World Cup failure)
Virat said,"I was personally very disappointed. I had been consistent for the last five years and to see such reactions for just one match it was really disappointing. At a human level, the things they said... they should be ashamed of themselves."
He is not one to shy away from most questions. He is not one to shy away from the opportunity to chase down the toughest targets. He is not one to shy away from a fight, any fight. In fact he relishes it. You target his family, friends, just about any loved ones and you'll probably make him mad enough to regret ever doing so. Just ask the Australians. (Virat Kohli slams media)
For a human who finds it hard to curtail abusing on the field and has openly admitted getting carried away, this instance of speaking out was a passion-driven calculated decision.
It was a message to those who target free spirits that are unafraid to live openly in a country that has traditionally and sadly ostracized those in relationships and ridiculed the relationship itself. I'm glad Virat has passed on a message to many - chivalry is not dead. (Virat Kohli says why he is an asset to Indian cricket)
Virat has over time become a seasoned & tactful yet refreshingly passionate speaker for a cricket media that finds it hard to get more than the usual. Why did he then this time choose to speak out when he could have avoided it? Well, there's nothing to hide, he's not done anything wrong and he knows it.
The abuses hurled at his partner Anushka were personal, not about his form.
Speaking to NDTV, Sunil Gavaskar explained how for a cricketer usually it is about letting whatever the critics say go by and instead focus on your game but also that Virat knows the difference.
"Generally you have got to read what is beneficial for your game. Remember even when critics say something they're critics who actually wish you well, who want you to do well and therefore if there is criticism from them I think it is constructive criticism.
Where they are actually showing something to you where by you can improve. Players over a period of time learn to know which criticism to accept and learn from and which criticism to ignore and I'm pretty certain Virat Kohli is able to do that," said Gavaskar.
So what's the issue? How can it possibly be that he didn't score runs because she was watching? He's scored many a ton with her watching in the past.
The issue is perhaps the small thought that having a girlfriend is a luxury and a distraction. As if having companionship is a luxury that cannot be afforded to an Indian Cricketer. It is lonely at the top and both Virat and Anushka know that. It's lonely staying in hotels for 4 months for both shoots and cricket. They could both use some company.
Maybe a flashback should help. One of the most celebrated and watched Indian films Mughal-e-Azam from as far back as 1960, has a smash hit song which boasts of lyrics like 'Pyaar kiya, toh darna kya' which translates to 'If you love someone, why be afraid.'
Many have given them stupid reasons to be afraid. Shouldn't we refrain from giving any more?
0 comments:
Post a Comment