Virat Kohli's relatively quiet series with bat in hand did not spare him from media attention during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as he was always in the spotlight for stirring up controversy, especially among the Australian media, over the five-match series. This persisted till the very last day of the series when Kohli upset some people by ostentatiously and dramatically checking his pockets in reference to the 2018 sandpaper gate controversy.
Australian legends react to Virat Kohli
Kohli's actions, notably bumping Sam Konstas during the teenager's debut, which dominated Australian television, infuriated some previous Australian players. Aaron Finch, Kohli's former RCB teammate and ex-Australian white-ball captain, shared his thoughts on ESPN's Around the Wicket broadcast after the series.
"It was just a level of frustration. I said last week it seemed as though he wanted to find conflict and confrontation – that's where he generally plays his best cricket. So he just went overboard on this tour. The bump, that was above and beyond anything I've seen on a field, and then the sandpaper, unnecessary. But overall, I think he was trying to find something to ignite a fire in himself, but just wasn't up to it," said Finch.
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Former Australian batter Simon Katich also criticised Kohli’s antics and said: "I think you have to question what sort of headspace he's been in on this tour to be doing that, making physical contact in Melbourne and then even the other unsavoury incident in Sydney with the sandpaper reference there with the pockets."
Almost seven years after the event first happened, Katich, who was a member of the RCB coaching staff from 2019 to 21, questioned why Kohli brought it up at the final match of a lengthy tour and claimed that Kohli had damaged his own reputation.
"I mean that in itself – there was no need for that. It's old news so in a way I think he's tarnished his reputation somewhat on this tour, on and off the field," said Katich
Many have leaped to Kohli's defence by pointing out that Australian players engage in all sorts of conduct without repercussions, but they were beginning to make a big deal out of it when Kohli was retaliating. Finch and Katich are joining the ranks of those who are denouncing him. As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli, who only scored 190 runs in this series, will be seeking to regain his best form in the 50-over format.
