In the midst of a relatively controversy-free IPL 2024 season, a significant dispute emerged between Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar, revolving around critiques of Kohli’s batting performance, particularly his strike rate and spin-playing ability. Kohli, evidently irked by criticisms from pundits and commentators, retaliated against what he perceived as undue scrutiny. In response, Gavaskar, known for his candid commentary, questioned Kohli’s reaction, highlighting the commentators’ right to analyze and offer opinions.
The disagreement sparked a heated debate on social media, with Kohli’s fan base rallying to defend their idol. However, amidst the commotion, Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan captain, offered his perspective, siding with Gavaskar. Akram believed that Kohli should have refrained from his comments, emphasizing the role of commentators in their duty to assess and critique performances objectively.
“Both are greats. Sunny bhai, as a cricketer, as a human being, I know him off the field. As a commentator, he has been doing it for God knows how many years, probably for more than two and a half years. And coming to the great man, Virat Kohli, he is a top player, a modern great. In fact, he is an all-time great in history, given the kind of performances he has had. But “I think Virat shouldn’t have said it,” Akram said.
This isn’t the first instance of Gavaskar facing backlash for comments regarding Kohli. A similar incident occurred during IPL 2020 when Gavaskar’s remarks about Kohli’s lockdown practice sparked controversy, prompting a response even from Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma. Gavaskar later clarified his comments, seeking to defuse the situation.
Despite the apparent tension between Kohli and Gavaskar, Akram expressed confidence that their differing opinions would not affect their relationship. He assured that both individuals would likely move past this disagreement in due course, as they have done previously.
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