'Ben Stokes gave me gaali' - Mohammed Siraj reveals the reason behind heated exchange between Virat Kohli and England star

Mohammed Siraj has revealed the reason behind the furious altercation between Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes on day one of the ongoing fourth Test between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The incident happened right before the start of the 14th over when Kohli walked up to Stokes to have a word.

Before that, Stokes was seen saying something to Siraj. It all happened after Siraj bowled a bouncer to Stokes to finish the 13th over and the latter decided to give the young pacer an earful. Siraj, however, did not reply to Stokes before Kohli decided to take the matter into his hands. The India skipper walked up to Stokes when he and Jonny Bairstow were talking in between overs and started the animated exchange.

At one stage, Stokes seemingly gave some clarification but Kohli was not at all impressed. At one stage, the angry India star even took off his goggles as he kept throwing verbal volleys at Stokes. But just when it looked like matters may escalate, umpire Virender Sharma intervened and separated the two players to bring the matter under control.

Mohammed Siraj revealed the reason

Speaking at the end of the day’s play, Mohammed Siraj revealed the reason behind the incident. The right-arm pacer revealed that he was abused by Stokes before Kohli decided to walk up to the England all-rounder to have some words.

“The wicket is good to bat on. The plan was to be patient and wait for the ball that might come in. Virat told me, since we only had two quicks, rotation was important. After bowling two overs, Virat asked me change my ends, since I was getting more movement there. Ben Stokes gave me gali (abused me), so I told Virat bhai about that. Virat bhai handled it thereafter,” said Mohammed Siraj.

Talking about the game, India grabbed the honors on day one. England won the toss once again but failed to capitalize on it. India’s spinners wreaked havoc and bowled out the visitors for just 205. Axar Patel was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets while Ravichandran Ashwin also took 3 wickets. Siraj also did well and picked up 2 wickets. In reply, India were on 24 for 1 at stumps.