Virat Kohli and His Top 5 Most Explosive Moments on the Field

Virat Kohli is as famous for his cricketing prowess as he is for his fiery temper. Known for never backing down from a confrontation, be it with opponents, fans, or teammates, Kohli’s passionate demeanor has both earned him accolades and sparked debates. Here’s a deep dive into five instances where the ace cricketer’s temper flared, grabbing headlines and stirring the pot in the world of sports.

The Heated Exchange with Jonny Bairstow

At the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston in 2022, a notable clash occurred between Kohli and England’s Jonny Bairstow. Kohli, known for his sharp tongue, provoked Bairstow with jibes from the slip cordon, remarking on the pace of the bowling—a reference to New Zealand’s Southee. The altercation escalated as Bairstow retorted, leading to a fiery exchange that culminated with Kohli blowing a kiss following Bairstow’s dismissal. This episode drew criticism especially since Kohli, struggling with his form at the time, was expected to focus more on his game rather than the opposition.

The Dugout Chair Incident

During a 2021 IPL match, after getting out for 33 runs off 29 balls, Kohli’s frustration boiled over. In a moment caught on camera that quickly went viral, he attempted to smash a chair in the dugout, an act that sparked widespread critique for his perceived lack of emotional control during critical moments of the game.

Clash of Titans: Kohli vs Gambhir

One of the most talked-about confrontations in IPL history took place in 2013 between Kohli and then Kolkata Knight Riders captain, Gautam Gambhir. Following his dismissal, Kohli’s remarks directed at the celebrating KKR players triggered Gambhir, leading to an intense face-off that required physical intervention from teammates to de-escalate.

The 2023 IPL Showdown

The most recent of Kohli’s contentious incidents occurred during an IPL 2023 match where he instructed his bowlers to aggressively bowl bouncers at the tailenders of Lucknow Super Giants. This strategy led to a confrontation with Naveen-ul-Haq of Afghanistan during the post-match handshake. The tension spilled over into social media, where Naveen and Gambhir both took subtle digs at Kohli, reflecting the bitterness of the clash.

The Infamous Sydney Gesture

Perhaps the most infamous of all, the 2012 incident during the Sydney Test against Australia showcased a young Kohli responding to relentless crowd taunting with a middle finger gesture. This act led to a hefty fine and was a significant early blip in his otherwise illustrious career. Kohli later expressed remorse over the incident, acknowledging its impact on his public image and cricketing career.