Opinion: Unwarranted Aggression Not Good For Cricket

Photo: Courtesy Deccan Chronicle

Actor Nasiruddin Shah’s recent facebook post admonishing Indian cricket Captain Virat Kohli as the world’s worst behaved player has triggered a debate about aggression on field and the values of true sportmanship. In its editorial column, Hindustan Times sought to concur with Shah. …”unwarranted aggression in terms of personal conduct goes by another name: loutishness”, it said.

There have been aggressive captains in the history of the game (including our own Sourav Ganguly). But none of them have disrespected their opponents. Kohli’s behaviour is disrespectful towards his opponents. Worse, it disrespects the game, HT said unequivocally.

Talking about batting greats such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, the Paper said their batsmanship was the sole sign of machismo and competitiveness. However, Kohli has repeatedly behaved in ways that are unbecoming of an India cricket captain, of a man who happens to be an important ambassador of the country.