Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli reportedly engaged in a heated exchange with an Australian TV journalist upon arriving in Melbourne on Friday ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. The incident unfolded at the Melbourne airport, where Kohli believed his children were being filmed without consent. Known for being protective of his family, Kohli expressed his displeasure at the perceived intrusion.
Heated Exchange Over Filming Misunderstanding
The clash reportedly stemmed from a misunderstanding. According to a report by Channel 7 journalist Theo Doropoulos, Kohli became agitated when he noticed cameras directed towards him and his children. Believing his family was being filmed, Kohli confronted the media personnel.
“With my kids, I need some privacy. You just can’t film without asking me,” Kohli was quoted as saying during the exchange. The situation was later clarified when the journalist and cameraperson assured him they were not filming his family. Following the explanation, Kohli shook hands with the Channel 7 cameraperson and moved on.
Kohli’s Form Under Scrutiny
Kohli’s exchange with the media comes during a challenging phase in his cricketing journey. Despite scoring a century in the second Test in Perth—his 30th in Test cricket—his performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been inconsistent. Aside from the century, he has recorded low scores of 5, 7, 11, and 11 in other innings.
Concerns over Kohli’s dismissals have also been raised, as he has repeatedly fallen to deliveries outside the off-stump, prompting questions about his technique and reflexes.
High Stakes for the Boxing Day Test
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1. India secured a stunning 295-run victory in the opening Test in Perth, their largest overseas Test win. Australia responded with a dominant 10-wicket triumph in the day-night Test in Adelaide to level the series.
Rain disrupted the third Test at the Gabba, resulting in a draw and setting up a crucial fourth match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Boxing Day Test, starting December 26, is expected to play a decisive role in determining the series winner.
As the series continues to unfold, both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths, with Kohli aiming to bounce back to his best form on Australian soil, where he has previously scored seven centuries.
