Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Virat Kohli criticised for shouting into stump mic during Cape Town Test | Reactions to Virat Kohli shouting into stump mic
India captain Virat Kohli has been criticised by India and opposition fans for shouting into the stump mic during the third and deciding Test vs South Africa in Cape Town. In the 21st over with South Africa 60/1 chasing 212 for a series win, Ravichandran Ashwin pinned opener Dean Elgar in front with a straight delivery.
Given out on the field, hawkeye then remarkably showed the ball to be going over the stumps on review, much to the shock and anger of the Indians. Elgar’s wicket was significant, as the Proteas skipper was a thorn in India’s side in the Johannesburg Test, playing beautifully in the second innings to seal a series-levelling win last week.
The tracking technology, authorised by HawkEye, relays the information to the host broadcaster, SuperSport. The Indians were stunned, with questions raised about hawkeye’s accuracy by fans and pundits online.
Kohli immediately made his thoughts known in the stump mic, followed closely by KL Rahul and R Ashwin.
“Focus on your team while they shine the ball. Not just the opposition. Trying to catch people all the time,” said the India captain.
KL Rahul, the vice-captain, then said “It’s the whole country against 11 guys.” Ashwin followed, “You should find better ways to win, SuperSport.”
Tempers flare as series is on the line: Virat Kohli comes in for criticism
India came into this series with arguably their best opportunity in years to win a Test series in South Africa. They started brilliantly in Centurion, but their batting has let them down throughout the series.
Rishabh Pant scored a superb century, but India only managed 198 in the second innings with the game there for the taking. Elgar and the impressive Keegan Petersen settled in, and India became quite agitated in a period of play that suggested the tourists were becoming frustrated with how such a series – which they were widely expected to win – has transpired.
A series defeat for India would be quite deflating given the progress they have made in England and Australia. The reactions of Kohli and co. suggested that. Elgar was eventually dismissed on what turned out to be the final ball of the day, as fans can be sure of a fiery finish to a spicy series on day four of the Newlands Test.
Of course, the reactions were widespread. Skipper Virat Kohli came in for some criticism, with even some calls for a match ban.
Day four will begin with South Africa needing a further 111 runs to seal the series 2-1. India need eight wickets. All to play for.
