Virat Kohli booed at MCG after dismissal

The Australian crowd turned hostile against Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), booing the Indian batter as he walked back to the pavilion following his dismissal on Day 2. Kohli, who was dismissed for 36, briefly turned back toward the stands in frustration, seemingly provoked by a comment from a spectator. His reaction, which appeared to be a stand-off with the fans, has sparked widespread online debate.  

This incident adds to the mounting scrutiny Kohli has faced during the ongoing India-Australia Test series. On Day 1 of Boxing Day Test, the former Indian captain was involved in a controversial clash with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. Kohli, seemingly unsettled by Konstas' confident stroke play against Jasprit Bumrah, resorted to verbal taunts and deliberately collided with the young batter, striking him with his shoulder.  

The Australian media was quick to criticize Kohli's behavior, branding him a "clown" in local headlines—a term that has since gained traction on social media. Former Australian cricketers also weighed in, calling Kohli's actions unsportsmanlike and demanding stricter punishment.  

The International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Kohli 20% of his match fee and issued him a demerit point, but the penalty was deemed too lenient by many in Australia, with some calling for a one-match suspension. The criticism escalated further, with Kohli being labeled a "coward" and a "crybaby" by sections of the Australian press.