The Australian media has once again targeted the Indian cricket team, this time mocking captain Rohit Sharma on the front page of a leading sports newspaper. Following their defeat in the Boxing Day Test, the Indian team faced criticism not just for their performance but also for their on-field and off-field antics.
Australia Secures Series Lead After Dominating India
The Boxing Day Test played in Melbourne, saw Australia defeat India to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The Australian team crushed India’s hopes of a comeback, leaving the visitors reeling.
On the fourth day of the match, Australia’s lower-order batsmen, batting at positions 10 and 11, stitched a crucial 61-run partnership. This performance exposed India’s lapses in fielding, with multiple missed chances adding to captain Rohit Sharma’s frustration and visible stress on the field.
Rohit Sharma Mocked by Australian Newspaper
On the final day of the Test, Western Australia’s leading sports newspaper targeted Rohit Sharma, calling him “Captain Cry Baby” in a controversial caption. The headline was accompanied by an edited image of Sharma with a pacifier, sparking outrage among Indian fans.
This came a day after the same newspaper mocked Virat Kohli with the headline “Clown Kohli,” leading to heated reactions from Indian supporters.
Kohli’s Clash with Australian Debutant
The controversy began earlier in the match when former Indian captain Virat Kohli had a heated exchange with Australian debutant Sam Constas. During the 10th over of Australia’s innings, Kohli and Constas collided on the field, resulting in a verbal spat. The situation escalated but was eventually diffused by Usman Khawaja and the umpires.
For his actions, Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and given a demerit point. The incident drew sharp criticism from the Australian media, who accused Kohli of unsportsmanlike behavior.
Indian Fans Outraged Over Media’s Remarks
The mocking headlines and controversial captions used by the Australian media have not gone down well with Indian fans. Social media was abuzz with outrage, with supporters accusing the Australian press of crossing the line and disrespecting Indian players.
Sam Constas’ Provocative Headline Adds Fuel to Fire
Adding to the controversy, the newspaper featured a photo of Sam Constas with the caption “Virat, I’m Your Father,” further fueling tensions. The provocative language has only intensified the backlash from Indian cricket enthusiasts.
Kohli’s Confrontation at Melbourne Airport
The drama extended beyond the cricket field, as reports emerged of Kohli having an argument with a journalist at the Melbourne Airport upon arrival. The incident has added another layer to the already heated rivalry between the two teams.
The Road Ahead for India
The Indian cricket team now faces immense pressure to bounce back in the series and silence critics. With two matches remaining, the team’s focus will be on improving their on-field performance and maintaining composure amidst intense scrutiny.
This series has not only highlighted the fierce competition between India and Australia but also the role of media in shaping narratives around cricket’s biggest rivalries.
