The former Indian captain and legendary batsman, Sunil Gavaskar said just after the third test match at Melbourne that “Test match is not a learning school”. This was said by him on the context of Kohli’s excessive short-temperedness on the field. However, it is a matter of fact that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), thinks otherwise. With the fourth test coming up at Sydney, the BCCI is not at all worried about the fact that Kohli may continue to be on a short fuse.
As the series progressed, things have heated up on the pitch in this series between India and Australia. Indians had indulged in some of the verbal exchanges in the Adelaide test and also in the Third test in MCG, it was seen that Kohli had some verbal exchanges with Mitchell Johnson for quite a number of times. Also, the present Indian test captain said that the Australians called him “spoilt brat” on the field.
Sunil Gavaskar has been pretty much critical of India’s sledging tactics. He also said that the Indians started this and they must end this. The Australians have been unusually quiet because they were deeply struck by the unfortunate death of Phillip Hughes. Gavaskar also said that it is kind of futile to sledge the Aussies as they don’t get affected of it.
Kohli is now appointed as the captain after Dhoni’s retirement from the test cricket after the third test. The circumstances may demand that the prolific Indian batsman keeps his temper under control but BCCI seems to be least worried of it.
The secretary of BCCI, Sanjay Patel said that Sledging is completely a part and parcel of the Australian team. He also said that Virat’s sledging is the reaction and not the action. He also pointed of the fact that Virat did not sledge in England, South Africa or even at home. He stated that sledging is the creation of Australia and it is no big concern. He also said that Virat is a young boy who will answer the questions that are being asked to him.
Kohli led India in the first test at Adelaide and was fined as a result of violating ICC’s Code of Conduct. Interestingly, he seemed to be backing the director of the team, Ravi Shastri, who is happy with India’s aggressive mindset.
He also said that every series loss is disappointing but the Indian team is inexperienced and they do possess talent to bring glory to the team in future games.