365 Sporting Days

Virat Kohli’s name has helped fill many column inches in the aftermath of the second test between India and England. He was out for a 5 ball duck in the first innings, bowled by a peach of a ball by Moeen Ali, his face was an absolute picture of shock as the ball spun round him to hit the stumps. That, was no issue for me, he was surprised and perhaps wondered if Ben Foakes might have hit the stumps. Moeen played under Kohli’s captaincy at Royal Challengers Bangalore up until this season, I imagine they’ll be great friends. He was trapped LBW by Moeen in the second innings but had 62 to his name. Nothing of concern there.

England had some dubious decisions courtesy of the third umpire and Joe Root did look perturbed a couple of times, happily the batsman concerned was out not long after the poor decision a couple of balls later in both instances. Kohli had come to the attention of the umpires after throwing his helmet onto the pitch after a catch had been put down in England’s first innings too.

But it was when Root was batting in the second innings of a match that India were cruising to victory in, that Kohli really let himself down. Rishabh Pant went up for a catch, it then took Kohli and his team virtually the full time allowed to appeal for the review. That review showed no bat involved so no catch, the review then switched the review to LBW. Bearing in mind the umpire had given Root not out. Root looked plumb it has to be said, but DRS and not the third umpire this time, said Umpire’s Call. Kohli was furious and approached the umpire in an aggressive manner, getting very close to him. I believe the anger continued even once the game was won.

I want to explain how the demerit system works in the game, as so many headlines seem to come from those who don’t know. For example the Daily Mail – Virat Kohli faces a BAN following his angry exchange with umpire Nitin Menon during second Test… as Michael Vaughan hits out at India captain by insisting he can’t be ‘intimidating’ authority figures No one would receive a ban for what Virat Kohli did, but they would receive a demerit point as Tim Paine did in the recent series between Australia and India.

So, a look at how the system works, recent incidents and Virat Kohli’s record-

Demerit point tally up over a 24 month period, therefore ensuring repeat offenders are punished. In most cases the on field umpire reports the offence to the match referee who then decides on the number of demerit points, should the player and team contest, a hearing is held. A look at the most recent offences –

And so to Virat Kohli’s recent record – we go back to September 2019

• 22/9/2019 – South Africa v India – While taking a run Virat made avoidable shoulder contact with bowler Beuran Hendriks – Level 1 – 1 Poi
• 22/6/2019 – India v Afghanistan – Virat advanced towards umpire Aleen Dar in an aggressive manner for an LBW appeal – Level 1 – 1 Point
• 15/01/2018 – India v South Africa – Article 2.1.1 which relates to conduct contrary to the spirit of the game – Level 1 – 1 Point

The earliest demerit point falls outside of the 24 months for totting up, but is still showing in the total column. But it’s clear that Virat Kohli is a repeat offender. I’m a big fan of his cricketing ability and loved seeing his animation in the field when India were in England in 2018. He was kind enough to stop for a selfie when I go the opportunity too. But, his behaviour at times really is ‘contrary to the spirit of the game’. Should he walk away from his shenanigans without another point to his name it rally will suggest there is one rule book for Virat Kohli and one for the rest. The man is quite literally one of the biggest ‘things’ in India, revered by millions, it’s interesting to see 2 young Indian players featuring in the table above, following the example of their idol maybe?