A Look at Virat Kohli’s Most Controversial Test Cricket Moments: A Fiery Journey on the Field
Virat Kohli’s Test cricket journey has never been short of drama. Known for his intensity and fearless expression, the former Indian captain has often found himself in the spotlight - not just for his batting brilliance, but also for moments of heated exchanges, bold gestures, and unapologetic confrontations. Here's a look at some of the most controversial episodes that have defined Kohli’s red-ball legacy.
2012: The Middle Finger at SCG
During the Sydney Test, a young Kohli, irritated by continuous taunts from the Australian crowd, responded with a middle-finger gesture while fielding. The act earned him a 50% match fee fine from the ICC. Kohli, however, justified it, saying the abuse from the stands had crossed the line. 2014: Adelaide Firestorm
In his maiden Test as captain, Kohli set the tone early. Facing fiery spells from Mitchell Johnson and jabs from Brad Haddin, Kohli led from the front with twin centuries. The on-field chatter was relentless, but Kohli matched it with grit and words. "I respect a few of them, but I have no reason to respect anyone who doesn't respect me," he stated after the match.
2017: DRS Drama and the Smith Saga
The Bengaluru Test against Australia became a flashpoint when Steve Smith was caught glancing toward the dressing room for DRS guidance. Kohli accused the Aussies of repeated misconduct. While Smith dismissed it as a “brain fade,” Kohli insisted it was a pattern, not a one-off.2018: ‘Mic Drop’ Revenge
Kohli’s competitive spirit was on full display at Edgbaston when he celebrated Joe Root’s run-out by imitating Root’s previous “mic drop” gesture. While he later laughed it off as cheeky fun, the message was clear - Kohli wasn’t just playing cricket; he was playing mind games too. 2014 & 2018: The Anderson Face-Offs
Kohli’s duels with James Anderson have been among Test cricket’s most talked-about rivalries. After a rough tour in 2014, Kohli returned in 2018 to dominate England, piling up 593 runs. Verbal jabs, intense stares, and animated celebrations marked their face-offs. 2021: Lord’s Test, Tempers Flare
The Lord’s Test against England saw emotions boiling over. After Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell rattled James Anderson, tensions soared. Kohli clashed verbally with Jos Buttler and Ollie Robinson as India staged a dramatic turnaround to clinch a famous win. 2022: The Stump Mic Outburst
Kohli stirred headlines once again in Cape Town. Frustrated over a DRS call that went in South Africa’s favour, he walked up to the stump mic and vented: "Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball... not just the opposition."
The comment was widely seen as a swipe at the broadcasters and raised eyebrows around the cricketing world.
2024: Clash with Sam Konstas
In a recent Test at the MCG, Kohli was involved in a shoulder brush and verbal exchange with debutant Sam Konstas. The incident drew an ICC sanction, but the post-match mood was far more respectful. Konstas later said Kohli was “a lovely person” and “a legend of the game.” Virat Kohli’s Test career has been a cocktail of passion, pressure, and provocation. Whether loved or criticised, he has never shied away from showing his emotions on the biggest stage. And that, perhaps, is what makes him one of the most compelling characters in modern-day cricket.