"If you want to create controversy, this is not the right place" - When Virat Kohli gave a sharp reply to a query on his on-field behavior
Virat Kohli's aggressive and passionate on-field demeanor has divided critics, the media, and even the fans. While the 35-year-old star Indian cricketer has mellowed down a bit with age, it is difficult to completely take that zealous streak out of him. The ace batter has often been in the firing line as well over his on-field antics.
Speaking in the above context, an interesting incident took place at a press conference in New Zealand in March 2020. During the interaction with the media, Kohli had a rather serious discussion with a scribe, who questioned the former's on-field behavior.
The incident happened after the two-match Test series against the Kiwis in New Zealand in early 2020, which India lost 2-0. Kohli, who was leading India back then, was his usual aggressive self on the field even as India, as a team, struggled to make an impact.
Referring to one of the instances, a journalist urged the Indian cricketer to assess his on-field behavior, which did not go down well with the then-Indian captain. This is how the conversation between the scribe and the journalist went.
Journalist: Virat, what's your reaction to your behavior on the field, swearing at Williamson when he got out, swearing at the crowd? As an Indian captain, don't you think you should set a better example on the field?
Kohli: What do you think? (Visibly irked)
Journalist: I asked you the question.
Kohli: I am asking you the answer.
Journalist: You need to set better examples.
Kohli: You need to find out exactly what happened and come up with better questions. You can't come here with half questions or half details of what happened. And also, if you want to create controversy, this is not the right place. I had spoken to the match referee. He had no issues with what happened. Thank You.
Meanwhile, Williamson, who captained New Zealand in that series, did not read too much about Kohli's ultra-aggressive ways. Asked about the same, he replied that it was 'typical of Virat, who plays the game with lot of passion'.
Virat Kohli had a forgettable 2020 tour of New Zealand
India played five T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests during their tour of New Zealand. Kohli had a rare poor series across formats. He played in four T20Is and scored 105 runs at an average of 26.25 and a strike rate of 131.25, with a best of 45.
The right-handed batter disappointed in the ODIs as well, managing only 75 runs in three innings at an average of 25, with a best of 51. Looking at his Test stats from the series, Kohli managed only 38 runs in four innings, averaging 9.50, with a best of 19.