Kohli criticized: Sanjay Manjrekar shows dislike for Indian captain's antics
India are currently playing their four-match Test series in Australia and are leading the series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Perth. Captain Kohli has again proved his salt with a stunning ton in the second Test, but former cricketer and now commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his dislike for Kohli's aggressive antics despite his fine performance with the bat. Here're further details.
Kohli celebrated his century in a unique way
Manjrekar criticized Kohli's celebration after his century in the first innings. Kohli exuded class, grit, and determination to knock up a 257-ball 123, and on reaching 100, he pointed at his bat and made a gesture as if to say, "My bat is doing all the talking". It could've been a response to Cummins' prediction that Kohli won't be scoring a hundred this time.
Here's a look at Kohli's celebration after his century
Kohli's controversial dismissal and his reaction to it
Kohli's dismissal during India's first innings was highly debated since video footage made it difficult to show whether Handscomb caught the ball or it hit the ground first. Australia were given benefit of the doubt by the third umpire, and while walking away, Kohli, visibly disturbed, was caught muttering something. Manjrekar believes this was uncalled for, and Kohli's 'brand' protects him from such wrongdoings.
Manjrekar's critical comments on Kohli
Sanjay Manjrekar said that India were the more aggressive side in the encounter, pointing to the incident when Kohli came in Tim Paine's way while the Australian skipper was completing a run. Manjrekar believes Kohli's fine performances with the bat and the fact that he can compliment his aggression with his performance has saved the Indian captain's skin on a number of occasions.
Kohli would have been criticized if he wasn't so great
"...if Kohli was not a such a great player getting all the runs that he does — some of his antics and behaviour on the field would have created quite a bit of stir and got lot more criticism," said Manjrekar.
Is Manjrekar right in criticizing Kohli?
Though Kohli brings on an aggressive style, he cannot be criticized for being who he is. The aggression, the passion, and the firepower is what makes him the player he is, and the entirety of Kohli has to be accepted, with the good, the bad and the ugly. As Michael Clarke has rightly said, you cannot have the cake and eat it too.
