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The Australian media has long been accused of employing cheap gimmicks to target key players of visiting teams, often attempting to unsettle them mentally. A recent post by The West Australian exemplifies this behavior, once again drawing criticism for its contradictory stance on Indian cricket star, Virat Kohli.
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The Incident: Kohli vs. Konstas
The spark for this controversy arose during the first day of the Boxing Day Test, where emotions ran high. Australia’s debutant, Sam Konstas, impressed with his aggressive batting, unsettling the Indian bowlers. Amidst this tension, Virat Kohli nudged the young batter in what appeared to be an unnecessary physical altercation.
While the action seemed excessive, both players downplayed it after the day’s play. Konstas himself called it an accident, suggesting there was no malice involved. Historically, such incidents, especially involving Australian players, have often been settled on the field. Ironically, despite their reputation for on-field aggression, some Australian media outlets have taken this opportunity to sensationalize the event.
Holy to Clown: The West Australian’s U-Turn
In an unexpected and distasteful move, The West Australian labeled Kohli “a clown” in a recent post, a cheap attempt to generate clout. This came as a shock to fans and critics alike, especially considering the same publication’s glowing praise for Kohli just weeks prior. Before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy began, the outlet had dubbed him “Holy Kohli – The King Is Ready to Rule,” acknowledging his stature as one of cricket’s modern greats.
This sudden 180-degree turn in narrative has exposed the publication’s hypocrisy, earning widespread backlash from readers. Fans pointed out the stark contrast in tone, calling out the Australian media’s tendency to manipulate narratives to suit their agendas.
Hypocrisy at its Peak
This incident sheds light on the duality of the Australian media, which oscillates between idolizing players and dragging them down, depending on the situation. While such tactics might grab attention, they ultimately erode the credibility of journalism in sports.
Cricket, a sport known for its fierce rivalries, deserves better than sensationalism and mud-slinging. Instead of fueling controversies, the focus should remain on the game and the players who make it great. As for Kohli, his legacy remains untarnished by cheap gimmicks, standing tall as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
