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Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has come under fire from the Australian media following an incident at Melbourne Airport last week. The controversy erupted ahead of the Boxing Day Test, where Kohli was accused of being a "bully" after a heated exchange with a reporter and a cameraperson.
What Happened at Melbourne Airport?
On Thursday, Kohli arrived at Melbourne Airport with his family for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Upon arrival, the Indian cricketer became visibly annoyed when reporters and photographers from Channel 7 began filming him and his family. This led to an argument, with Kohli expressing his displeasure at the intrusion into his privacy.
While the matter seemed to have been resolved at the airport, the Australian media quickly picked up the story. Nine Sports reporter Tony Jones criticized Kohli for allegedly "berating" the Channel 7 team.
Tony Jones' Remarks on Radio
Speaking on Melbourne's 3AW radio channel, Jones defended the actions of the media crew, stating that they were simply doing their job.
“Nat (the reporter) and the cameraman were out there to cover news, as we do every day. It’s common to film prominent personalities like politicians or sports stars at airports. Kohli’s reaction was unexpected and unnecessary,” Jones said.
Tony Jones has labelled Indian cricketer Virat Kohli a “bully”, after an “unsavoury” incident at Melbourne Airport yesterday. 👀
— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) December 20, 2024
EYEWITNESS 👉 https://t.co/pgqbzIGICy pic.twitter.com/So80PWx2FK
Australian Media Labels Kohli a 'Bully'
The incident has sparked a debate, with the Australian media labeling Kohli a "bully." Critics argue that public figures like Kohli should expect media attention, particularly during major cricket events like the BGT.
Public Reactions and Context
The backlash has polarized opinions. Kohli’s supporters believe that filming his family without consent crossed a line, while others argue that as a public figure, such attention comes with the territory. The controversy adds another layer of tension to the ongoing cricket rivalry between India and Australia.
Looking Ahead to the Boxing Day Test
Despite the off-field controversy, Kohli remains focused on the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test. As one of cricket’s biggest stars, all eyes will be on him—not just for his on-field performance but also for how he handles the scrutiny off the field.
