Match referee warns Virat Kohli for on-field behaviour

Virat, in a rush of adrenaline, uttered a few cuss words after running Root out on day 1 of the first Test

Virat Kohli’s brilliant innings of 149 on Thursday evening may have won him many fans but match referee Jeff Crowe remains unimpressed. Virat’s on-field antics, that has become a subject of severe scrutiny by the English press, has forced the match referee to intervene in a bid to settle things and ensure that the five-match series is played in the right spirit.

Jeff Crowe was spotted having an informal chat with Virat Kohli, prior to the start of Day 3 of the first Test. Sources suggest that Indian skipper was warned for using foul language and was also advised to tone down his celebrations. The point of reference was Virat’s ‘mic-drop’ send-off to his English counterpart Joe Root, after running him out in the first innings. It was made clear that there will be no sanction imposed against Virat and he has been let off with a warning.  

A report in the English media quoted an eyewitness saying that Crowe reminded Virat of his responsibilities as a skipper of the side and asked him to be more in control of his emotions on the field. Virat was also reminded that it’s just the beginning of a long series and his actions may have far-reaching repercussions for both sides.

English media had severely criticized Virat for his instigating reply to Root in a tit-for-tat celebration of England skipper’s ‘bat drop’ celebrations after winning the one-day series. On day 1, Joe Root batted magnificently against the Indian bowling attack to reach to his 41st Test half-century. Batting on 80, he was run out by Virat’s direct throw --- a dismissal that sparked the England collapse --- and Virat, in a rush of adrenaline, uttered a few cuss words and enacted the celebrations that was caught on camera and soon went viral on social media

pic.twitter.com/C4vPM2hVNa

— Hit wicket (@sukhiaatma69) August 1, 2018