Team India coach Ravi Shastri has backed skipper Virat Kohli after the stylish 30-year-old drew sharp criticism for his on-field aggression in the second Test match at the new Perth stadium in Perth.
Speaking to media at the Melbourne, when Shastri was asked about Kohli’s attitude, he has made it clear that the right-handed batsman has not for once crossed the line in the ongoing series. Shastri even went on to say that as far as the Indian team is concerned, he is nothing short of a gentleman.
“What’s wrong with his behaviour? As far as we are concerned, he is an absolute gentleman,” Ravi Shastri was quoted as saying.
Earlier, former Indian selector Sandeep Patil has also backed Virat Kohli for his aggression. Many cricket fans as well experts have criticised Kohli or his physical altercation with Australian skipper Tim Paine o the fourth Day of the second Test match.
Defending Kohli’s on-field behaviour, Patil told Mid-Day, “When a tiger’s claws and teeth are clipped, it becomes tame. Kohli’s aggression should not be thwarted and he is right in turning on the aggression. I want to see the tiger in the wild and not put in a cage.”
Former West Indies great Viv Richards had also backed Kohli.
“Look, there is the match referee to keep a check on things, the Indian cricket board too. If he crosses the line, he will pay the price but he should not stop being aggressive,” Richards had said at a promotional event.
“India were not like this years back (70’s, 80’s and 90’s). But it’s nice to have someone like Virat. I love it (aggression), why not? They now love to give it back. That’s what cricket is all about. I love Virat’s captaincy,” he added.