What if Virat Kohli had done a Smith, asks Harsha Bhogle

Out of favor popular commentator Harsha Bhogle has been in the news in the recent past for the wrong reasons. Bhogle, one of the flamboyant voices of world cricket, was surprisingly axed last year from the commentary panel of the IPL. He failed to make it to the commentary team of any of the India’s fixtures in the time to follow.

It was speculated that the players and the team management of the Indian team were unhappy with the words of Bhogle during the ICC World T20 that was held last year. If the reports are to be believed, several big names like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni had expressed their displeasure against Bhogle to the BCCI. Also, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan had taken a subtle dig at the commentator last year asking the latter to speak good rather than speaking anything against the players.

Now, Harsha Bhogle tried to come up with a very insightful thought on social media site Twitter but ended up facing the heat of the fans yet again. Australian skipper Steve Smith was in the news yesterday for the wrong reasons. He had looked up to the dressing room seeking a hint for a referral during the match. Indian skipper Virat Kohli was miffed at his actions and had lashed out at his Aussie counterpart in the post-match presentation.

Bhogle spoke on the same issue and reflected that there are different ways in which the media reacts. He asked what would the reactions be had Kohli done what Steve Smith did in the match. “Interesting to see how fans & media persons would react if the opposition did it. For eg: if Kohli had done a Smith! Bit different, you think?” tweeted Harsha Bhogle.

One of the fans replied to his tweet and went on to say that the comment made by Harsha was more in favor of the Australian fans. Harsha replied back to the tweet saying that all he tried to communicate was that the reactions are often determined by the loyalties of the fans. “No, it was to see whether we in the media are able to look at it as it was rather than be affected by where we come from,” replied Harsha to a tweet.

Another fan tweeted in the same regard and cautioned Bhogle to be wise with his word selections. He noted that the likes of Amitabh and Dhoni are not going to like this tweet. Harsha, in his reply, was calm as he reiterated that the favors are influenced by loyalties rather than by what is actually right. “Don’t think you understand what I am saying. I am pointing out how we are influenced by our loyalties rather than by what is correct,” he tweeted.