Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, found himself at the center of controversy during the second day of the Boxing Day Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Kohli was heckled by a section of local fans as he walked back to the dressing room after being dismissed for 36 off 86 balls.
The incident occurred on Friday when Kohli, visibly annoyed, turned to look back at the crowd before being gently escorted away by security personnel. The interaction, which was captured on camera, sparked concerns about the nature of comments directed toward the Indian star.
Speaking on SEN radio, Stuart Fox, CEO of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), which oversees the MCG, confirmed that no formal complaint had been lodged by the Indian team. “There has been no official complaint from India; they are comfortable,” Fox said. He added, “I think a bit of heckling happened late, and Kohli obviously popped his head back. I’ll be concerned if it was really abusive or involved any physical contact. That’s where we ensure everyone is well-behaved.”
Fox also expressed his disapproval of the booing directed at Kohli, highlighting the player’s significant contributions to cricket. “I love Kohli; I love what he has done for our game. I don’t particularly love the booing. I think he should be congratulated on creating the rivalry that he has,” he remarked.
The situation comes amidst a tense series for Kohli, who has been under scrutiny following a shoulder-barge incident with Australian player Sam Konstas on Boxing Day. While Konstas called the contact accidental, the International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Kohli 20% of his match fee. The MCG crowd has since treated him as a divisive figure, alternating between boos and applause.
Despite the distractions, Kohli showcased his class on the field, partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal for a vital 102-run stand on Day 2. However, a lapse in concentration saw him dismissed shortly after the partnership was broken.
India ended Day 3 at 358/9, trailing Australia’s first-innings total by 116 runs. The match continues to draw attention as one of the fiercest contests in recent cricketing history.
