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The Boxing Day Test at the MCG never fails to deliver drama, and Virat Kohli found himself at the center of controversy once again. Following the Sam Konstas incident on Day 1, speculation was rife that the fiery Indian batter would become the focal point of the Australian fans’ antics.
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Kohli Greeted with Jeers
As expected, Day 2 saw the Melbourne crowd in full force, targeting Kohli with boos and jeers when he walked out to bat following KL Rahul’s dismissal. The noise was deafening, but Kohli, known for thriving under such hostility, seemed unfazed.
A Heated Exchange
Kohli’s innings of 36 off 86 balls ended when Scott Boland got the better of him, caught by Alex Carey. While Kohli made his way back to the pavilion, the Australian crowd intensified their taunts. Initially, he ignored the noise, but when the insults crossed the line, Kohli turned back and exchanged heated words with the crowd. Security had to intervene to diffuse the situation.
Kohli’s Gritty Innings at the MCG
Despite the tension, Kohli played a crucial knock on a difficult pitch. India, having lost two early wickets, were under immense pressure from a relentless Australian bowling attack. Kohli’s patience shone as he left deliveries outside the off-stump and waited for loose balls to capitalize on.
Although he couldn’t convert his start into a big score, his 36 runs came under challenging conditions and proved to be his best innings of the tour in terms of grit and determination. Unlike his century at Perth on a more batter-friendly surface, this knock showcased Kohli’s ability to weather the storm against top-quality bowling.
Kohli vs. the Aussie Crowd: A Saga That Continues
Kohli’s love-hate relationship with Australian crowds is well-documented. Whether it’s his fiery comebacks or his stellar performances, Kohli never fails to grab headlines in Australia. The MCG incident is just the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, further fueling the narrative of his larger-than-life persona on and off the field.
Stay tuned as the Boxing Day Test unfolds—because with Kohli in the mix, the drama is far from over.
