India vs England 2016: Sunil Gavaskar unhappy with Virat Kohli's gestures
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar is not pleased with the behaviour of Virat Kohli during Day three of the third test of Mohali stating that it was unnecessary to say words to a batsman who is already dismissed. A big fan of Virat, the veteran was not shy to express his displeasure towards the current Indian skipper. India are currently in the driving seat of the Mohali Test and is likely to take a 2-0 lead in the 5-match which will ensure they won’t lose a Test series to England for the first time in almost eight years.
During Day two of the test, Ben Stokes dismissed Virat Kohli and followed it with a gesture by putting his hand in his mouth. The following day, when the Englishman got tricked by Ravichandran Ashwin on Day three, captain Kohli gave a silent sent off to the departing batsman.
Also read: Video: Ben Stokes sends-off Virat Kohli with a mocking gesture on day two
As per the reports of cricket.com.au, Sunil Gavaskar said, “Whatever was said, it really needs to be nipped in the bud. You have got the batsman out, why do you need to give him a send-off? Why say anything? Just congratulate your team-mates and Parthiv Patel for a fine piece of work on his comeback.”
"But why say anything to the batsman? He’s upset as it is. Then what, rub salt into the wounds? It’s the one part of cricket I do not approve of at all,” added Gavaskar.
The breaching Article 2.1.4 of the International Cricket Council states to abstain from “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match.”
Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli gives Ben Stokes the perfect send-off on day three at Mohali
Even the on-field umpire Marais Erasmus got into the action as he had to act as the peacemaker when both Stokes and Kohli refused to stop the ugly spat. The heated conversation did not help the visitors much as they are in deep trouble at the end of the third day as they were trailing by quite a few runs with 4 batsmen back in the pavilion.
Virat Kohli is well renowned for his aggression inside the field and was involved in numerous exchange of words during a match, but he should be careful not to react in a way which would hamper the spirit of the game.