Virat Kohli: Indian captain replies to Kagiso Rabada’s ‘immature’ comment in a press conference ahead of South Africa vs India World Cup match
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Indian Cricket team skipper Virat Kohli is all set to face the low in confidence South African side in their first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on June 5 (Wednesday) at the Rose Bowl, in Southampton.
ALSO READ: South Africa vs India tomorrow’s match preview
However, apart from the on-field action that Virat Kohli and Co. have been going through since their arrival at Southampton, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada had a couple of days ago sparked off a fresh controversy which diverted the Indian Cricket fans’ attention towards some off-the field action.
The ever widening Virat Kohli fan base, left no stones unturned to give it back to the Proteas sensation via the various social media sites. But, Kohli while addressing a Press Conference in Southampton prior the Wednesday game, came with his ‘mature’ reply to the fast bowler’s remark.
What did Kagiso Rabada comment?
The 24-year-old had a couple of days ago said that Virat likes to have a go at the bowlers, but cannot take it upon him, when the other person decides to give him back. He made the statement in lieu of the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I was just thinking about the game plan, really, but Virat, he hit me for a boundary and then he had a word. And then when you give it back to him, he gets angry. I don’t get the guy,” said Rabada when asked about his face-off with Kohli during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019.
“Maybe he does it because it gets him going, but that comes across as very immature for me. He is a phenomenal player but he can’t take the abuse,” Rabada added.
What did Virat Kohli say in return?
During the Press Conference addressed by Virat Kohli on Tuesday, prior to India’s clash against South Africa on Wednesday in Southampton, came up with a reply pertaining to Rabada’s ‘immature’ behviour remark.
The Indian skipper right away said that he had no clue about the Rabada comment, and he doesn’t need a Press Conference to give his opinion on the same. Kohli also emphasised to the fact that since he has played so many games against him, they will deal with it one-on-one if any need as such arises.
“I’ve played many times against Kagiso Rabada and I think if we have to talk we’ll do it man to man. I think the conversation will be between bat and ball. I haven’t heard what he’s said”, remarked Kohli during the Press Conference.
WATCH Virat Kohli’s reply to Kagiso Rabada’s ‘immature’ comment:
“Will like to discuss man-to-man”: Kohli hits back at Rabada’s remarks pic.twitter.com/MbcRyklKzr
— NDTV Sports (@Sports_NDTV) June 4, 2019
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
English media is so desperate to create storm in a tea cup. They’re setting Kohli against Rabada. It doesn’t bother Kohli or Faf. Rabada said Kohli is immature. Kohli prefers man to man talk with KG. Good grief!!
— Richardson Mzaidume (@hlubizer) June 4, 2019
Basically it was Kohli’s polite way of telling Rabada, “Tu bahar mil bc” pic.twitter.com/9XPRUrpSkB
— Bhakt Tippler (@MrTippler) June 4, 2019
Rabada: Kohli is “immature”
My reaction: 👇 pic.twitter.com/nOC6dOFPIQ— Arjun chauhan 🇮🇳 (@imarjunchauhan) June 4, 2019
Rabada calling Virat “immature” is brilliant.
And correct.
Need proof?
Here Kohli tells Rabada to “talk to the hand”. pic.twitter.com/gFd8mzaYH5
— Eid Dennisbarak (@DennisCricket_) June 2, 2019
Meanwhile Virat Kohli Socked him: #Rabada #ViratKohli #CWC #BANvSA pic.twitter.com/Ke0HhlW7WT
— Jaidev Kesti (@jaidev_24) June 2, 2019
This was a rather ‘mature’ comment from the Indian skipper, as he would for sure not like to be distracted thinking about such petty issues, or rather anything else but the Indian Cricket Team and the ongoing World Cup.
India will play its first match of the World Cup on Wednesday, June 5 at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. It will, on the other hand, be a test for the Proteas who have been handed back to back blows by England and Bangladesh. This will the third game for the Proteas in the ongoing World Cup.
For more ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 news, click here