In a resurfaced video that has gained traction on social media, Australian Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins recounts an incident where he faced significant backlash from Virat Kohli’s fans due to a misunderstood remark. Cummins, believing he had complimented Kohli by hoping the Indian cricket star wouldn’t score a century because he is such a formidable player, found his words taken the wrong way by Kohli’s passionate supporters.
The video, originally from Cummins’ appearance on The Grade Cricketer Podcast, shows him detailing the fallout from his comment.
In the clip, Cummins explains, “If you live at social media at all, you get absolutely hounded. Like, say anything about Virat Kohli and look out for the next years. I remembered I said something a few years ago. It was actually what, I thought, was a bit of a compliment. You know like he’s a great player, hope he doesn’t score a hundred because he is a gun player.”
“And then about six months later, when he did score one, my phones blew up. They’ve got a long memory.”
Virat Kohli, 35, is widely regarded as a modern-day great in cricket, having accumulated 26,733 runs in 580 international innings, including 80 centuries and 139 half-centuries. Both Kohli and Cummins are participating in the ongoing T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the United States.
Cummins got roasted for complimenting Kohli because “….I hope he doesn’t score a hundred” is too complicated for simple minds.
— Rohit Raina (@RohittRaina) June 2, 2024
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Pat Cummins took Virat Kohli’s wicket in the 2023 World Cup final
Kohli has an impressive track record against Australia, amassing 5,203 runs with 16 centuries and 27 fifties in 96 international matches against them. Cummins himself experienced a memorable moment involving Kohli during the 2023 ODI World Cup final. As captain of the Australian team, Cummins dismissed Kohli in the title match, forcing him to drag a ball back onto his stumps and sending the star batter off for 54 runs from 63 balls.
Kohli’s departure caused a stunned silence among the spectators at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Australia, having elected to bowl first, restricted India to a modest total of 240 runs. Cummins delivered an impressive performance with figures of 2-34, complemented by Mitchell Starc’s 3-55.
In response, Travis Head‘s remarkable innings of 137 off 120 balls led Australia to a decisive six-wicket victory, securing their sixth ODI World Cup championship. This incident underscores the fervour of cricket fans, particularly those of Kohli, and the sometimes unintended consequences of comments made by high-profile players. Cummins’ experience highlights the intense scrutiny and passionate reactions that can follow remarks about beloved sports figures.
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