Virat Kohli, despite being Indian cricket's biggest superstar, has expressed his discomfort with a long-standing tradition among fans: cheering when a wicket falls simply because it means he is walking out to bat. The issue came to the fore during the first ODI against New Zealand in New Delhi on Sunday.
Kohli's Candid Admission on a Controversial Cheer
The phenomenon is not new. For years, Indian crowds have erupted in applause at the fall of the second wicket in Tests, anticipating the arrival of Sachin Tendulkar. The pattern continued with MS Dhoni and now, Virat Kohli. However, during the recent match, the dynamic shifted noticeably.
When captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 26, the stadium momentarily fell silent. Kohli himself waited, allowing Rohit to exit the field fully before making his own walk to the crease. The applause for Kohli's arrival came only after this respectful pause.
Addressing the issue directly after being named Player of the Match, Kohli did not mince words. "I'm aware of it, and honestly, I don't feel good about it," he stated. He referenced seeing the same happen to Dhoni, emphasizing that "it's not a great feeling for the guy walking back." While he understands the crowd's excitement, his focus remains on his batting duties.
Gratitude Amidst Honesty and a Chasing Masterclass
Kohli balanced his critique with profound gratitude for the fan love he receives. "I'm extremely grateful. It's a blessing, honestly. To give so much happiness to so many people just by doing what you love — what more can I ask for?" he said, acknowledging that seeing people smile is what truly makes him happy.
He then backed his words with a sublime performance. In a chase of 301 runs, Kohli scored a masterful 93, guiding India to victory. This knock marked his seventh consecutive fifty-plus score in List-A cricket, further cementing his reputation as a chase maestro.
Explaining his approach, Kohli said, "The basic idea is I bat at number three and, if the situation is tricky, I back myself to counterattack. Any ball can have your name on it, so there's no point being passive." He also dismissed the importance of personal milestones, stating his mind was solely on getting the team into a winning position, despite being close to a century.
A Cultural Shift in Fan Behavior?
Kohli's comments have sparked a fresh debate on sportsmanship and fan culture in cricket-crazy India. His request is for fans to be mindful of the dismissed player's feelings, even in their excitement for the next batter. The incident and his response highlight a nuanced aspect of the player-fan relationship, where adoration must be balanced with respect for all athletes on the field.
Whether this leads to a change in stadium behavior remains to be seen, but Kohli has undoubtedly put the spotlight on a tradition that has gone unquestioned for generations.
