NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting, known for his fiery persona, has found himself at the center of a controversy after offering lessons on morality to Indiaโs star batsman, Virat Kohli. An incident from 1998, shared by Twitter user Rajiv, shows Ponting playfully interacting with a young Harbhajan Singh, who was just 19 at the time. This has sparked a debate, with critics questioning Pontingโs current stance as a moral authority while his past actions on the field were often aggressive and unsportsmanlike.
Picture of Ricky Ponting flirting with 19 years old Harbhajan Singhโฆ.. today he is giving lesson of morality to Viratโฆ. pic.twitter.com/Ft7a1Wi7Ax
โ Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 26, 2024
In his recent commentary during the Boxing Day Test, Ponting criticized Kohliโs on-field demeanor, calling it excessive and detrimental to the spirit of the game. โYou can be competitive without crossing the line,โ he said, referencing an exchange between Kohli and Australiaโs 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas. Pontingโs comments, however, have drawn attention due to the apparent contradiction between his moral criticism and his own on-field behavior during his playing days, which was frequently seen as confrontational and aggressive.
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The resurfacing of the picture has only fueled the controversy. Critics argue that Ponting should not lecture Kohli, given his own history. One Twitter user remarked, โIf Ponting wants to teach morality, perhaps he should start by looking at his own actions during his playing days.โ
Ricky talking about flirting is like A robber talking morality on robbery
โ Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) December 26, 2024
In response, fans of Kohli have rallied to his defense. A Twitter user, Manoj, highlighted Pontingโs past antics during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, pointing out that the aggressive behavior of players like Konstas was being exaggerated by Ponting. โVirat Kohli & Rohit Sharma are the heart and soul of India. No one can criticize them,โ he added.
Ricky ponting kya bol rahe hai 2008 wali border Gavaskar Trophy bhool gaye kya sam konstas 50 runs bna liya h jaise lag raha hai match jeet Gaye aur Virat Kohli hamre king the hai aur rahega
Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma ko koi ku6 na bole
India ke dil aur dhadkan hai ???โ MANU. (@Manojy9812) December 26, 2024
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Another user, Gokulnath, humorously responded to Pontingโs moral stance, saying that if aggressive behavior on the field were a religion, Ponting would be its God. Additionally, Pratyush Halder made a biting comparison, calling Pontingโs criticism of Kohliโs โflirtingโ behavior as ironic, likening it to โa robber talking morality on robbery.โ
If _______ behavior in the ground is the religion, then Ricky Thomas Ponting is the God ๐คฃ
โ Gokulnath (@Gokulnathsp) December 26, 2024
Despite the backlash, Kohli remains undeterred, continuing to lead India with his characteristic passion. His supporters emphasize that his leadership and love for the game make him a standout player.
