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Ponting pushed, elbowed Harbhajan in 1998 what Kohli did to Konsas; Fans recall

  • Swastik Sharma
    • Ricky Ponting has found himself at the center of a controversy after giving lessons on morality to India’s star batsman Virat Kohli.

    Ricky Ponting has found himself at the center of a controversy after giving lessons on morality to India’s star batsman Virat Kohli.

    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 India’s 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 Ponting’s current stance as a moral authority while his past actions on the field were often aggressive and unsportsmanlike.

     

     

    In his recent commentary during the Boxing Day Test, Ponting criticized Kohli’s on-field demeanor, calling it excessive and detrimental to the spirit of the game. “You can be competitive without crossing the line,” he said, referencing an exchange between Kohli and Australia’s 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas. Ponting’s 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.

     

    ALSO READ: Fans stand by Virat Kohli amid on-field altercation with Konstas

     

    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, “If Ponting wants to teach morality, perhaps he should start by looking at his own actions during his playing days.”

     

    In response, fans of Kohli have rallied to his defense. A Twitter user, Manoj, highlighted Ponting’s past antics during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, pointing out that the aggressive behavior of players like Konstas was being exaggerated by Ponting. “Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma are the heart and soul of India. No one can criticize them,” he added.

     

     

    ALSO READ: “Don’t laugh with them”: Kohli’s command inspires team against Aussies

     

    Another user, Gokulnath, humorously responded to Ponting’s 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 Ponting’s criticism of Kohli’s “flirting” behavior as ironic, likening it to “a robber talking morality on robbery.”

     

    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.

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