Video of Fan Calling Virat Kohli ‘Chokli’ Divides Social Media
Gautam Gambhir’s initial series as head coach of the Indian team concluded in a 3-0 sweep of Sri Lanka in Pallekele. With experienced batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now retired from T20Is, the selectors appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the captain for the three-game series. In the third and final T20I, India emerged victorious via Super Over, offering Gambhir a fantastic gift in his debut bilateral series. However, attention now turns to a three-match ODI series, commencing with the opening game on August 2. Earlier reports suggested that both Kohli and Rohit would miss the ODI series, requesting a rest after their T20 World Cup triumph.
Nevertheless, Gambhir advocated for both players to be included in the squad and convinced the two star batsmen to participate against Sri Lanka. Consequently, both players arrived in Sri Lanka the previous week in anticipation of the 1st ODI.
Kohli practiced with the team on Monday, while Rohit, along with the returning KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, were also seen batting in the nets.
During a training session, Kohli displayed displeasure when a spectator referred to him as ‘Chokli’. The former India captain engaged in shadow practice in the presence of his teammates.
Kohli gave a stern look to the spectator, also stating “not here”. The video has since become viral on social media, although some users have labeled it as ‘fake’.
A spectator called Virat Kohli a chokli in his presence in the dressing room at the Colombo ground in Sri Lanka, which led to Virat getting irate.
Lankan fans are now also provoking Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/ru4KbRUfBX
— (@rushiii_12) July 31, 2024
Meanwhile, former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is set to join Gambhir’s coaching team as a bowling coach, debuting in the home series against Bangladesh in September. Gambhir hinted that the team management is currently assessing the coaching structure during the six-match series in Sri Lanka, with intentions to form a comprehensive coaching staff for upcoming series, as per Cricbuzz.
Authentic footage of Virat Kohli
Stop disseminating counterfeit videos
— CinemaCricketUniverse (@MoviesUniverse9) July 31, 2024
Sairaj Bahutule, a specialist in spin bowling currently serving as an interim bowling coach for the Sri Lanka tour, may continue in his position if deemed beneficial by the management. However, given Morkel’s expertise in fast bowling, the team might require a dedicated spin bowling coach.
This is the genuine video of Virat Kohli in Colombo. The circulating viral video is DECEITFUL#ViratKohli #INDvSLpic.twitter.com/2vodKt3cAw
— Mr Tajamul (@Tajamul1320) July 31, 2024
If Bahutule retains his role, the coaching team would consist of two assistant coaches (Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate), a bowling coach (Morne Morkel), a fielding coach (T Dilip), and a spin bowling coach, in addition to head coach Gautam Gambhir. This would result in a total of six coaches, potentially raising concerns about an excessively large coaching staff.
(With IANS Inputs)
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