NEW DELHI: Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen backed Virat Kohli amid all the theatrics going on around the Indian superstar in Melbourne in the Boxing Day Test.
On the opening day of the fourth Test, Kohli had a fiery shoulder bump incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. Then on the second day, the 36-year-old was involved in a terrible mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal and then confronted booing fans after his own dismissal.
After a thrilling second day’s play, Pietersen shared a social media post in which he labelled Kohli a ‘showman’, backing former India skipper’s on-field conduct.
Kohli’s conduct has become a hot topic in the ongoing fourth Test. His shoulder-charge on 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day resulted in a fine and a demerit point.
On Friday, Kohli batted well for his 36 before being caught behind off Scott Boland. He was dismissed shortly after a mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal resulted in the opener running himself out at 82.
After Australia made 474 in their first innings, riding on Steve Smith’s 140, India ended Day 2 at a precarious 164 for 5, losing three quick wickets late in the day.
India are still 310 runs behind Australia.
After three Tests, the Border Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1.
