By Agnibeena Ghosh
The world of cricket is no stranger to intense rivalry, fierce competition, and passionate debates, both on and off the field. Fans invest their emotions and energy into supporting their favorite players and teams, and when iconic figures clash, emotions can run high. Such was the case when Mohammad Hafeez, the former Pakistan cricketer, stirred the pot by criticizing ViratKohli’s performance during India’s World Cup 2023 match against South Africa. The heated exchange took place on a memorable Sunday, November 5, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, leaving cricket enthusiasts divided and engaged in heated discussions.
In this high-stakes match, ViratKohli delivered a remarkable performance that saw him remain unbeaten at 101 runs, achieved from 121 balls with an impressive display of ten fours. This effort was a key factor in India posting a formidable score of 326 for the loss of five wickets. Consequently, Kohli received the prestigious Player of the Match award for his outstanding contribution. India, after bundling out their South African opponents for a mere 83 runs in 27.1 overs, clinched a resounding victory with a commanding margin of 243 runs.
Kohli’s innings was marked by his ability to rebuild India’s innings following the early losses of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. He partnered with ShreyasIyer to forge an impressive 137-run stand, providing the stability and momentum India needed during the crucial juncture of the game. His century equaled the record of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most One Day International (ODI) hundreds, marking a historic moment in his career.
However, it was Mohammad Hafeez’s post-match comments that set off a chain reaction of passionate opinions and heated debates among cricket fans and experts alike. Hafeez’s assertion was clear and direct: he believed that Kohli’s approach in the match, particularly as he neared his century, was selfish. According to Hafeez, Kohli should have prioritized boundary-hitting over accumulating singles. The former Pakistani cricketer did not mince words in his critique, contending that Kohli’s batting reflected self-centeredness and an inclination to play for personal glory rather than the collective good of the Indian team.
“I saw a sense of selfishness in ViratKohli’s batting, and this happened for the third time in this World Cup. In the 49th over, he was looking to take a single to reach his own hundred, and he didn’t put the team first. Rohit Sharma could have played selfish cricket too, but he didn’t because he is playing for Team India and not for himself,” Hafeez remarked, voicing his concerns about Kohli’s approach during the match.
This remark from Mohammad Hafeez ignited a fiery debate within the cricket community, with individuals from various backgrounds, both fans and former cricketers, expressing their opinions on the matter. One of those who weighed in on the discussion was Venkatesh Prasad, a former Indian pacer. Prasad chose to defend Kohli and challenged the notion that his batting was selfish. In a statement aimed at critics, Prasad wrote, “Hearing funny arguments about ViratKohli being Selfish and obsessed with personal milestones. Yes, Kohli is selfish, selfish enough to follow the dream of a billion people, selfish enough to strive for excellence even after achieving so much, selfish enough to set new benchmarks, selfish enough to ensure his team wins. Yes, Kohli is selfish.”
While the debate raged on between Hafeez’s criticism and Prasad’s defense, fans became increasingly polarized in their viewpoints, with emotions running high. The contention centered around whether Kohli’s approach was indeed self-serving or a reflection of his unwavering dedication to achieving excellence for his team and the nation.
The record-equalling century by Kohli in the City of Joy was a historical milestone and added another layer to the passionate rivalry between cricketing nations. As cricket fans, pundits, and former players continue to express their perspectives, one thing remains certain: the world of cricket, with its intensity and fervor, remains a subject of profound interest and discussion, where legends like ViratKohli and Sachin Tendulkar etch their names into the annals of the sport’s history.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 8th November 2023
