Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar takes to Twitter in support of Virat Kohli and takes potshots at ex-Australian cricketer Ian Healy for attacking the Team India skipper over excessive sledging
Shoaib Akhtar
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India skipper Virat Kohli is in the midst of a raging controversy over his Australian counterpart Steven Smith seeking DRS inputs from the dressing room during the 2nd Test at Bangalore.
Kohli has also been receiving some flak from former Australian cricketers over his aggresive attitude.
Wicket-keeping great Ian Healy had recently said that he was "losing respect" for the Indian captain for his constant sledging of the Australians in the second Test. Healy said Kohli disrespected Australia and the Indian captain should tone down his trademark on-field aggression. He also said that Kohli's confrontational attitude is putting pressure on his teammates.
Virat Kohli
Well, Kohli got some support from a very unlikely quarter -- former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar came out in support of the 28-year-old Indian cricketer.
Now, Indo-Pak ties may have deteriorated and there may not be any cross-border cricket matches being played at the moment, but that hasn't stopped displays of cross-border camaraderie.
Akhtar took potshots at Healy on Twitter by reminding the Aussie of his own on-field behaviour and habit of sledging and unsportsmanlike conduct during his career.
HE FIRST CONGRATULATED KOHLI AND THE BOYS:
Super show by @imVkohli &his men vs @CricketAus.I like him but history will also judge him how he handles pressures of cricket & life @BCCI
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 7, 2017
THEN HE TOOK A DIG AT HEALY:
Amused 2 read @Iheals take on @imVkohli. Come on Heals have heard many 'polite enquiries' in ur deep voice, case of pot calling kettle black
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 7, 2017
HE SUGGESTED THAT HEALY'S COMMENTS MAY HAVE MOTIVATED TEAM INDIA:
If anything @Iheals comments on @imVkohli may have switched him & his team on even more. Sorry Heals this was a self-goal!
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 7, 2017
Kohli had earlier responded to Healy's comments in his post-match press conference at Bangalore after beating Austalia by 75 runs in the 2nd Test to level the series 1-1.
He had brushed aside criticism by the Australian wicket-keeping great. "We have 1.2 billion people in India and one person doesn't make a difference," he had said. "And also I think you should go and search on YouTube when he was given out in Centurion down the leg side. I heard he said something about me not having good behavior with the umpires. I think you all should YouTube that video," the Delhi batsman had added.
Kohli was apparently referring to an incident at South Africa's Centurion ground in 1997.
Ian Healy
The video of the 1997 Test, which the Proteas won by eight wickets and saw some controversial decision by the umpires, shows an infuriated Healy, walking back to the pavilion after being given caught behind by keeper Dave Richardson -- now the ICC CEO -- off the bowling of pacer Brett Shultz.
Healy protesting the decision while walking up the stairs to the dressing room. He points the bat like a gun at a spectator and then throws the bat yelling 'bu.. sh.. umpiring'. Healy was handed a two-match suspension for his behaviour.
HERE'S THE VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT:
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