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Irfan Pathan's Fiery Defense of Virat Kohli Against Australian Media's Criticism

In a dramatic turn during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has come out strongly in defense of Virat Kohli after the Australian media’s critical portrayal of the Indian cricket superstar. The incident that sparked this controversy occurred on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Kohli had a shoulder bump with Australian debutant Sam Konstas, leading to a moment of heated exchange on the field.

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

Kohli’s actions were scrutinized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which fined him 20% of his match fees and awarded him a demerit point for the shoulder bump. However, what followed was even more controversial off the pitch. An Australian newspaper, ‘The West Australian,’ published a front-page story labeling Kohli as “Clown Kohli,” accompanied by a caricature that drew significant backlash from fans and former cricketers alike.

Irfan Pathan's Reaction

Irfan Pathan, who was part of the commentary team for Star Sports, didn’t hold back his thoughts on the Australian media’s treatment of Kohli. In a segment broadcasted widely on social media, Pathan lambasted the media for what he described as “double standards.”

“First of all, the newspapers and even some ex-cricketers here are showing heights of double standards. One moment you are hailing a man as king, and the very next moment, when he shows some aggression on the field, you are going to call him a joker?” Pathan stated, emphasizing the hypocrisy in how Kohli’s character was being portrayed.

He further criticized the use of Kohli’s market value for sensational headlines, saying, “You want to sell, you want to make cricket popular but at the expense of Virat Kohli’s market value? We will not accept this.” Pathan’s comments have resonated with many fans, who echoed his sentiments across various platforms, highlighting the media’s tendency to vilify players when it suits their narrative.

Support from Other Quarters

Pathan’s stance was not solitary. Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar also joined in critiquing the Australian media. Gavaskar pointed out the selective outrage, noting, “This is old news. It’s always ‘if we do it, it’s alright, if you do it, it’s a crime’,” while defending Kohli’s actions during the match.

The online community showed significant support for Kohli. Posts on Social Media revealed a collective frustration towards the Australian media’s portrayal, with many users decrying the disrespectful treatment of Kohli, especially after his significant contributions to cricket and sportsmanship, particularly during the sandpaper scandal involving Steve Smith.

Broader Implications

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about media ethics in sports journalism, especially concerning the portrayal of international athletes. It raises questions about the balance between critiquing performance and respecting personal integrity. The Australian media’s approach has been seen as an attempt to leverage Kohli’s popularity for sales, which has not only angered Indian cricket fans but also invited scrutiny from global sports enthusiasts.
 
As the dust settles on this particular episode of the Border-Gavaskar series, the reactions from figures like Irfan Pathan underscore the ongoing dialogue about sportsmanship, media portrayal, and the cultural sensitivities in cricket. While Kohli has faced criticism for his on-field demeanor, the response from former players like Pathan and Gavaskar illustrates a protective stance towards one of India’s cricketing icons, advocating for a more balanced and respectful discourse in sports journalism.
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