If we are under the impression that cricket at the highest level is played amongst men and women who have matured enough to represent their respective countries or states or franchise, Kohli and Gambhir have proved us wrong. It was childish for 2 grownups to be arguing in full view of the media and thereby the wider audience. It is immaterial what said what and who started it. The fact of the matter is that young boys and girls, who were watching the game, are bound to be misled because of such ridiculous behaviour. It also made for ugly viewing on the TV. The media will not mind stooping too low either just to enhance their TRP. This is my view on the Kohli Gambhir spat.
Both of them does not seem to realise the impact or seriousness of their actions. Gambhir is not an ordinary cricketer or a coach of a franchise. He is a MP of the ruling government and as such his behaviour in public is expected to be of a higher standard. For someone to gesture to the Bangalore crowd to keep their mouths shut speaks of arrogance. It is afterall a bloody IPL game. This was not even an international fixture. Ofcourse, such behaviour must not be condoned anywhere but this was at the very basic, a game between 2 Indian franchises played mostly among Indians.
Both of them abused and insulted Indians
Gambhir and Kohli by their rude gestures have insulted every Indian. It is the plain fact. Gambhir first of all must not have gestured to the crowd. His job is to ensure that his franchise wins the most number of games to qualify for the playoffs and perhaps win the title. Nothing more nothing less. The interaction of any player with the crowd is quite minimal. They are performers who are expected to perform to the best of their ability and soak in the accolades that may come their way. That is the extent of their interaction with the crowd. The crowd can be abusive, they can be intimidating. If every player reacts to everything that is being said beyond the boundary, there will only be mayhem and not a game of cricket.
Kohli’s continued intransigence
Kohli on the otherhand, is downright abusive to anyone and everyone on the field of play. If he is not playing for the most powerful sporting body on the planet, he would have been banned a longtime ago. His arrogant and pompous attitude has rubbed many the wrong way. This wasn’t the first time he has gestured to the crowd. He has done that in multiple countries. He somehow gets away with it every single time. Not long ago, he was seen shouting at the stump mic in South Africa. It not only made him look ridiculous but it embarrassed the entire country. He was made fun of for his stupid act.
Gambhir had tweeted following that game, “This is really bad,” he said. “What Kohli did: going near the stump mic and reacting in that manner that is really immature. This is not what you expect from an international captain; from an Indian captain.”
The same Gambhir, being an MP has done exactly the same. His tweet is applicable to him. This is not what you expect from an MP, a ruling party MP.
The punishment must be severe
It is time to stop saying that that is how he plays. This must stop and stop now. It will not be wrong for both Kohli and Gambhir to be made an example. The 100% match fee fine is nothing for either of them. Especially Kohli who earns in the millions. The punishment must be severe. Both of them must be fined 10 CR and banned from the IPL for the entire season. The ban must be further extended until the money is paid. They must be hit where it really hurts. Players are all role models for the younger generation but if they are not at their best behaviour, they must be shown their place by means of strict action.
Faf disappointing and careless statement
Faf Plessis cannot escape responsibility either. He is the captain and as such he is required to handle such things in a mature way but his reaction after the incident was a big letdown. “Aggression is the best version of Virat, isn’t it? To see him pumped up like that, that’s when he is at his very best. So it is really awesome to be a part of it and my job is to keep things calm on the field, which I thought that I did really well,” Du Plessis chuckled during the post-match interview.
When I first read that, I just couldn’t believe my eyes and then I consoled myself that Faf does not really care. Afterall, it is just an IPL game and it does not belong to his country. He is here in India as a mercenary and once the job is done, he will go away. He does not have anything to lose.
What about the Indian board?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is equally responsible for Kohli’s continued abusive behaviour and the ugly spat. If only they had taken action against Kohli a few years ago, things would not have descended to this low. The fact that he usually gets away with everything he does, has actually emboldened Kohli to continue with such outrageous behaviour.
The board which is the custodian of Indian cricket is duty-bound to enhance the image of Indian cricket and its players. They cannot wash their hands off everytime by imposing a token fine. Something drastic as I had mentioned above must be done to improve behaviour. Nothing of this sort must ever be seen on live television ever again. Both the players, especially, Kohli, must be made an example out of. No matter how great a player you are, if your behaviour is not satisfying, you deserve what you get.