'Virat Kohli certainly shouldn't be playing in Ahmedabad' - David Lloyd slams India skipper for his conduct in Chennai Test

Former England cricketer-turned-commentator David Lloyd has severely criticised India skipper Virat Kohli for his on-field behaviour during the just-concluded Test between India and England in Chennai. While Kohli is receiving praise from all over for leading India to the win, he has also invited criticism for him by getting involved in a heated confrontation with umpire Nitin Menon.

The incident took place during the final over of day three when Menon adjudged Joe Root not out after the Indian players appealed for lbw. The hosts were convinced they had their man as Kohli reviewed the decision. However, Root was reprieved on umpire’s call, making Kohli absolutely furious. When ball-tracking was applied by the third umpire, it showed that the delivery would have gone on to hit the stumps but at the point of impact, it was an ‘umpire’s call’ adjudication.

Consequently, the third umpire asked Menon to stay with his original decision. This is when Kohli lost his cool as he walked up to the umpire to express displeasure over the decision. The India batting star  looked animated as he had a furious chat with the umpire. In the wake of the incident, the 32-year old has faced severe criticism for his conduct.

David Lloyd slams Virat Kohli:

Lloyd has joined the bandwagon of critics taking shot at Virat Kohli for the incident. The veteran commentator opined that had the incident happened in another sport, Kohli would have been immediately sent off the field. Writing for the Daily Mail, Lloyd said these antics deserved a red card straight away. The former England cricketer further opined that Kohli should be banned for the third Test. He also took a shot at match-referee Javagal Srinath.

“No word of any disciplinary action against Virat Kohli then? I chuckle and I despair. Cricket is so archaic. The captain of a national team is allowed to criticise, berate, intimidate and ridicule an official on the pitch. And he was allowed to carry on playing on in the second Test! In any other sport, he would have been sent off the field. Kohli certainly shouldn’t be playing in Ahmedabad next week,” said Lloyd.

“All it would take to show the public the severity of any offence is the introduction of yellow and red cards. This was a straight red — which would mean he misses the next three Tests. The lack of any action from match referee Javagal Srinath sitting there in his nice air-conditioned room beggars belief. Three and a half days and he has said nothing,” he added.