NEW DELHI – Virat Kohli, known for his intense and passionate demeanor on the cricket field, showcased his fiery side during the opening day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

As tensions ran high in the first session, stump microphones caught Kohli instructing pacer Mohammed Siraj with a stern message: “Has ke baat nahi karna inse” (Don’t smile while talking to them). The directive came after Siraj was seen exchanging words with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. Kohli, ever the competitor, seemed to disapprove of the cordial tone in the interaction.

Building the Heat

The incident unfolded amidst an intense battle on the field, with Australia dominating the morning session. Debutant opener Sam Konstas lit up the MCG with a brisk 60 off 65 balls, helping the hosts reach 112/1 by lunch.

Kohli’s fiery instructions weren’t the only highlight. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was also caught on the mic, urging Ravindra Jadeja to exploit the turning and bouncing surface: “Jaddu, ball bounce bhi ho raha hai, turn bhi ho raha hai,” emphasizing the importance of utilizing the pitch’s conditions.

Kohli’s Aggression Under Spotlight

Adding to the drama, Kohli found himself in the spotlight earlier in the session for a brief shoulder bump with 19-year-old Konstas, which fueled discussions about his aggressive on-field demeanor.

The animated exchanges and Kohli’s unwavering determination have set the stage for a gripping contest. Fans eagerly await India’s response as they aim to claw their way back into the game against a confident Australian side.

Stay tuned to news360.live for all the latest updates from the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.