Virat Kohli’s bat might have failed to do much damage in the Edgbaston Test against England but he still remained a headline-maker in the match. His verbal duels on the field remained a topic of discussion throughout the match, with many criticising him for the act. However, what Kohli did after the conclusion of the game, has won many hearts.
England cricket great David Lloyd pointed out how Kohli greeted Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root who remained unbeaten on Day 5 of the Edgbaston Test to help the hosts secure 7-wicket victory. Lloyd admitted being impressed by Kohli’s gesture despite the fact that India lost the match in a horrific manner.
“I thought the on-field scenes at the conclusion of the game were glorious, with India’s players congratulating Root and Jonny Bairstow and recognising the epic job they had done,” Lloyd wrote in his column for The Daily Mail.
“Special mention for Virat Kohli who at times plays the pantomime villain, but who had a special word with both players. I like that,” he wrote.
Descrbing Kohli as the ‘pantomime villain’, Lloyd rued the verbal battles that took place in the match, especially on Day 4 when Kohli was trying to get under the skin of English batters. For Lloyd, such behaviour doesn’t have any place in the Gentlemen’s Game.
“Having said that, I do wonder where the line is and who draws it. Sportsmanship, banter, boorish behaviour, insults, abuse – we saw everything on day four,” Lloyd wrote.
“Cricket is a non-contact sport, but if a player feels the need to engage another, my advice is: take up cage fighting and have a proper go. Let’s see what you’re really made of,” he concluded.
India and England now shift focus to the 1st T20I of the 3-match series, starting on Thursday at Southampton.
