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In an incident that underlines the highly intense rivalry in sports between India and Australia, Virat Kohli found himself in the noise of attention once again during the Boxing Day test at MCG.

This time, when the Indian batting maestro stepped onto the field after the tea session, Australian fans erupted in a loud chorus of boos at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). But the evergreen voices of Indian fans brought in a distinct rhythm to the oldest grounds of cricket.

A Dramatic Entry Post-Tea Sessions

As Kohli entered the ground to receive the baton after the exit of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, the MCG crowd went into a buzz. Known for his fieriness and ability to silence critics with his bat, Kohli’s entry evoked mixed reactions in the crowd. While some Australian fans let their voices go by booing him, Indian fans in attendance sang in chorus “Kohli, Kohli!” to drown out the negativity.

Such scenes could well demonstrate the bifurcation of opinion among Australians on Kohli and allude to the solid support that Indian supporters offer even for their charges in foreign conditions.

Why Was Kohli Booed?

The boos were not entirely unexpected. Earlier in the Test match, Kohli had been involved in an incident where he deliberately walked into Australian youngster Sam Konstas during a heated moment on Day 1. The act resulted in a fine imposed by the ICC match referee, and while Kohli gracefully accepted the penalty, it left a bitter taste for a segment of the Australian fanbase.

The Rivalry That Keeps Giving

Cricket has never been the sole thing in the rivalry between India and Australia. From on-field sledding to fiery player fights and some hard-core fan reactions, the contest is always full of drama. And Kohli, being one of the biggest names in cricket, has been frequently dragged into the same.

Despite the audible booing, Kohli remains that player who relishes playing under pressure. He has earned the admiration of cricket fans worldwide as he always transforms negativity into match-winning performances.

Hopeful Response from Kohli’s Bat

While the crowd drama unfolded, fans worldwide eagerly awaited Kohli’s response—one that he has often delivered in the past—with his bat. Known for his knack for rising to the occasion, the Indian superstar has a history of silencing critics and hostile crowds with stellar performances.

With the Boxing Day Test far from over, many are optimistic that Kohli will let his bat do the talking, perhaps adding another iconic knock to his impressive tally at the MCG.

The Legacy of Virat Kohli at MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground holds a special place in Kohli’s career, with several memorable innings etched into cricketing history. As fans debate the boos and cheers, one thing is certain: Kohli’s legacy at the MCG is far from over.

With the rivalry intensifying and Kohli once again proving to be the central figure, the Boxing Day Test has added yet another unforgettable chapter to the annals of cricket history.

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Sourav Paul
Sourav is an enthusiastic sports fan from his childhood and a passionate sports writer, who writes cricket content for the Crictips website, delivering engaging and insightful content for fans.
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