It is no secret that India is a stat-obsessed nation where the fans get inner ecstasy when their idols accomplish major milestones but get disappointed if their idols miss out on scoring a century. The fact that there is a hero-worship culture in the country goes to show that there is something wrong with the fans, who are more obsessed with individuals’ milestones than the team’s overall performance.
Not long ago, Gautam Gambhir who was a team player during the heydays of his cricketing career urged the fans not to glorify the individuals but the Indian cricket team. If that’s the case, then there will be no pressure on the players as they will be fully focused towards helping the team churn out winning results, leading the team to scale greater heights at the grand stage such as the ICC events.
Virat Kohli denies a single to Ravindra Jadeja against New Zealand
During the 21st game of the ICC World Cup 2023 between India and New Zealand, Virat Kohli surprised the Indian fans after he denied a single to Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder who nudged Mitchell Santner’s ball towards the third man realized that it was an easy “two” and hence sprinted towards the non-striker’s end and was determined to complete two runs but Kohli was not interested in going for the second run.
— Rahul Chauhan (@ImRahulCSK11) October 23, 2023
#AskThePavilion though Kohli definitely played a match winning innings again today but wasn't he a little selfish towards the end when suddenly it looked that his priority is to complete his century like he did in the last match!
— Owais (@Owais51625053) October 22, 2023
I respect Virat Kohli but Surya 's run out and this act is an act of selfishness ..😐😐# #ViratKohli𓃵 #SuryakumarYadav #INDvsNZ #Selfish https://t.co/iFO7QtmESz
— Shashank Shekhar Yaduvanshi (@Shashank10ydv) October 22, 2023
It was during the situation when India required 35 off 48 balls against a team that was constantly mounting pressure. Jadeja who completed the first run almost reached the half of the pitch in order to complete the second run but Virat Kohli denied Ravindra Jadeja for the next run and the video clip has gone viral on the internet, with the netizens calling Virat Kohli “selfish”.
ALSO WATCH: Virat Kohli’s denial leaves Suryakumar Yadav hanging in the middle of the pitch
Virat Kohli was en route to scoring a century but missed out on a milestone by five runs as he was dismissed by Matt Henry. Team India aced the run-chase with two overs to spare and clinched the game by four wickets. Rohit Sharma and Co. are the only team who are unbeaten in the competition with five straight wins. The Men in Blue will take on England on October 29 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.