Australian cricketers are no longer friends, says Virat Kohli

[Abdullah719]

DHARAMSALA: India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday said he no longer considers Australian cricketers his friends after being targeted both on and off the field by them in a fiercely-fought Test series that his team won.

Kohli had stopped short of calling Steve Smith a cheat for his 'DRS Brain Fade' moment after which a section of Australian cricketers (current and former) along with their media targeted the Indian captain, going as far as to compare him with controversial US president Donald Trump.

Worst, the Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, in a sarcastic remark to a radio station, said Kohli perhaps does not know the spelling of sorry.

At the end of the rubber, which India won 2-1, an Australian scribe asked if Kohli still considered Smith's men his friends off the field as he had said at the start of the series, the skipper gave a no holds barred answer.

"No, it has changed for sure. I thought that was the case but it has changed for sure. As I said in the heat of the battle, you want to be competitive but yeah I have been proven wrong.

"The thing I said before the first Test, I have certainly been proven wrong and you won't hear me say that ever again," Kohli said.

During the series, the Australian cricketers were seen making fun of Kohli's shoulder injury while Smith had called Murali Vijay a "******* cheat" for claiming a catch on Monday.

Worse, Matthew Wade and Ravindra Jadeja had a near bust up after a lengthy altercation.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...nds-says-virat-kohli/articleshow/57870332.cms

 

[Bewal Express]

Embarrassing behaviour from both teams.

 

[bleaf27]

Kohli calm down , don't consider them friends but don't advertise that in media

 

[troodon]

Smith will soon be seen with Pune Rising Super Giants and he will be leading Players like Ashwin and Rahane.

Kohli will also share dressing room with a few Aus players.

Series is over.

Crying like Kids is no use. Both teams played hard and sledged hard. Both Aus and Ind teams need to get over it.

 

[Muhammad10]

Devastating if true. Thoughts are with the Australian players in these times of strife.

 

[Slog]

Smith will soon be seen with Pune Rising Super Giants and he will be leading Players like Ashwin and Rahane.

Kohli will also share dressing room with a few Aus players.

Series is over.

Crying like Kids is no use. Both teams played hard and sledged hard. Both Aus and Ind teams need to get over it.

apparently kohlis team has no current aussie?

anyways i feel this is frankly very immature of kohli and not the first time it has happened.

he also did this in 2014 aus tourbut back then he wasnt in a leadership position officiallyso its okay. But you would expect him to have matured a lot more by now.

The worrying this is that he seems to be the type who gets rattled easily and holds grudges and remembers slights. This was a home series and if he was so effected by a touring aussie team, Lord help him when he tours to the tougher countries and India are invariably under the pump with the pressure on him and the team.

 

[Poutine]

IPL and its owners need to take stand here and stand up for Kohli and co.

 

[Slog]

The worrying this is that he seems to be the type who gets rattled easily and holds grudges and remembers slights. This was a home series and if he was so effected by a touring aussie team, Lord help him when he tours to the tougher countries and India are invariably under the pump with the pressure on him and the team.

Finally. Forget the skill aspect. Aggression wise this Aussie team isnt the worse and regardless of what the Indian media potrays him as Smith is a nice guy who is generally soft spoken. And Warner has mellowed down a LOT to the point its unnerving. If the aggressive Aussie units of old who were at times schoolyard bullies were there, Kohli may have beencrying going by his response tho this series

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Will it affect Aussie players chances of being picked in future IPL editions ?

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Teams could make note of this and latch on to doing this in the future.

When Kohli scores, it won't be a problem but when he doesn't, it will pile up on him and create more pressure on him.

Never reveal your cards outside to be exploited like this.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

It must have been real ugly on the field between the two teams.

A tour to Aus now will be so fun.

But then when I think about those pattas and Smith/Warner....not so fun.

 

[Poutine]

Teams could make note of this and latch on to doing this in the future.

When Kohli scores, it won't be a problem but when he doesn't, it will pile up on him and create more pressure on him.

Never reveal your cards outside to be exploited like this.

Kohli likes to score at the big stage, this series was won even without his contribution so he didnt feel compelled to score imo . Watch how he piles on the runs against high level competition in the iPL.

 

[Poutine]

Will it affect Aussie players chances of being picked in future IPL editions ?

It should IMO. You cant unfriend Kohli and still get selected in the IPL. Thats not how things should work.

 

[badsha001]

IPL Teams should boycott all Australian players...

 

[bleaf27]

A bit immature from Kohli , I'm the sure the Aussie's dont have the nicest tings to say about some of the Indian players as well but keep it away from the Media.

On the next tour to Australia - Kohli better pack some good noise cancelling earphones along

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Kohli likes to score at the big stage, this series was won even without his contribution so he didnt feel compelled to score imo . Watch how he piles on the runs against high level competition in the iPL.

Kohli scored 4 hundreds in Aus and went to take on a chase to almost break a 100 year old record.

So doubt anyone cares he didn't score here considering we won regardless.

 

[bleaf27]

Will it affect Aussie players chances of being picked in future IPL editions ?

Nah

 

[Poutine]

Kohli scored 4 hundreds in Aus and went to take on a chase to almost break a 100 year old record.

So doubt anyone cares he didn't score here considering we won regardless.

Thats pretty much exactly what I said.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Thats pretty much exactly what I said.

And then mentioned about "high level competition" in IPL.

So I mentioned that.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Teams could make note of this and latch on to doing this in the future.

When Kohli scores, it won't be a problem but when he doesn't, it will pile up on him and create more pressure on him.

Never reveal your cards outside to be exploited like this.

It won't affect him. He thrives under pressure. Technically his game rises to another level.

 

[Poutine]

And then mentioned about "high level competition" in IPL.

So I mentioned that.

My point was IPL is higher level of competition than this current series as any team can win the IPL however the winner of this series was clear even before the matches started. So Kohli wasnt motivated enough to score.

 

[Specialisttailender]

IPL and its owners need to take stand here and stand up for Kohli and co.

LOL they don't care about how Kohli or Steven Smith feel. They want both to perform like they were paid to. No jingoism is needed.

 

[Specialisttailender]

Australians are sore losers.

 

[Poutine]

LOL they don't care about how Kohli or Steven Smith feel. They want both to perform like they were paid to. No jingoism is needed.

Kohli is an indian hero and icon, if an IPL owner dosent care about his feelings than they should move to Pakistan.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

It won't affect him. He thrives under pressure. Technically his game rises to another level.

There is a bit of truth and myth to it.

Truth is that pumped up Kohli can up his game.

But myth part is Kohli never gets affected by it.

If you rile him up enough, he will do something stupid. The Mitch Johnson sledging almost worked where he was throwing his bat like a maniac for 2-3 overs but was lucky.

Also as captain, I have seen his captaincy oscillate between amazing to utterly crazy time to time. When he gets rattled, he really gets rattled.

By this outburst, Kohli is showing that there is an opening to get him which teams could try out. If he is in sublime form or in good form, this may not affect him. But if he is on the backfoot, it may.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Don't need soap opera in cricket. Kohli should keep his mouth shut and focus on IPL. The rants from both sides ruined the series for me.

 

[Muhammad10]

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

To be fair to Kohli, a lot of things happened on the field.

Didn't Maxwell mock his injury too?

Aussie media trained their guns on Kohli throughout the series.

Just have to channel your anger the right way.

 

[Hasan123]

These 2 teams must absolutely hate each other LOL.

 

[Gilly]

I wonder if he has unfriended Smith on facebook too.

 

[Aman]

Such an embarrassing rivalry this is

 

[Hawkeye]

Haha.

What is this, gali mohalla cricket?

Kohli is a top player but he needs to be able to tackle sledging.

 

[KingKhanWC]

To be fair to Kohli, a lot of things happened on the field.

Didn't Maxwell mock his injury too?

Aussie media trained their guns on Kohli throughout the series.

Just have to channel your anger the right way.

TBF? lol

The series is over , India won.

In Boxing two fighters trash talk each other for months and then beat each other to pulp but always be sporting after the competition is over. This is only cricket, very poor sportsmanship by Kohli, frankly childish.

 

[Rayyman]

Trying to make something out of nothing.
As heated as it may seem, India and Australia don't have a rivalry.
Mainly because whoever is at home just dominates the other.

India vs Pakistan would be a great rivalry. Because both are strong in the Asian conditions and there is an added political flare.

 

[Ph_11]

Trying to make something out of nothing.
As heated as it may seem, India and Australia don't have a rivalry.
Mainly because whoever is at home just dominates the other.

India vs Pakistan would be a great rivalry. Because both are strong in the Asian conditions and there is an added political flare.

Kohli needs to move on. I disagree with what he said.

India Australia is the best rivalary out there and this adds fuel to the fire. It is good for TV and interest but I think Kohli should not say this. Way India is playing I dont see anyone but Australia challenging them.

 

[volcyz]

Less overpaid AUS players in the IPL, the better.

Still remember the early days of IPL craze where every team was trying to get as many random Aussies in their side as possible cos AUS was the heaven for talent in those days.

So many useless players were picked e.g. Aiden Blizzard, Luke Pomersbach, James Hopes, Dominic Thornely etc

 

[bleaf27]

Haha.

What is this, gali mohalla cricket?

Kohli is a top player but he needs to be able to tackle sledging.

I agree , show all the aggression on the field but on the mike you gotta be diplomatic . Never make statements you may regret down the road

 

[bleaf27]

These 2 teams must absolutely hate each other LOL.

I know eh , I can't imagine the plans Aussies would have when India tours Aus

 

[Joseph Gomes]

If Kohli ever grows a brain, he will deeply regret these stupid comments after he retires. As a big fan of Kohli I am extremely embarrassed and disappointed by his remarks

 

[Rayyman]

Kohli needs to move on. I disagree with what he said.

India Australia is the best rivalary out there and this adds fuel to the fire. It is good for TV and interest but I think Kohli should not say this. Way India is playing I dont see anyone but Australia challenging them.

It's not a rivalry just because some members of both teams decided act childishly on some issues.

 

[Ph_11]

It's not a rivalry just because some members of both teams decided act childishly on some issues.

It is rivalry when #1 and #2 play. Clearly India playing Eng or SL or Pakistan is not a rivalry. Australia is good and that is why these two teams play hard and everyone is on the edge. This is the best test cricket can offer. Ashes do not come close. I still do hate tests.

 

[Ph_11]

Less overpaid AUS players in the IPL, the better.

Still remember the early days of IPL craze where every team was trying to get as many random Aussies in their side as possible cos AUS was the heaven for talent in those days.

So many useless players were picked e.g. Aiden Blizzard, Luke Pomersbach, James Hopes, Dominic Thornely etc

If IPL owners want to pay them it is their call. Their money their decision. I also think some of those guys were no good but I am not paying them.

 

[bleaf27]

It's not a rivalry just because some members of both teams decided act childishly on some issues.

There is some rivalry definitely , Not just banter . India and Australia have been quite competitive rivals for the past 2-3 years I'd say at the least. Both are quite competitive , got strong cricket board backing , hostile crowds and are usually always on top of the ladder .

 

[Junaids]

These 2 teams must absolutely hate each other LOL.

Which is good for cricket, because it weakens the Big Three.

The Aussie public, like the English one, was already sick of endless series v India. When I attended the World Cup semi-final at the SCG, the Indian 80% of the crowd just left as soon as Dhoni ran himself out. The Aussie fans were horrified at how unsporting their Indian counterparts were - in contrast with the Kiwis four days later.

So if the Aussie and Indian players have a fractured relationship, good.

 

[Stallion__]

Pretty puerile from Kohli to say this after the series is over. The onus is on winning team to show that what happens on the field stays there. Even Jadeja was better in this regard when he talked about his squabble with Wade. Kohli has been a massive let down in this series.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

There is a bit of truth and myth to it.

Truth is that pumped up Kohli can up his game.

But myth part is Kohli never gets affected by it.

If you rile him up enough, he will do something stupid. The Mitch Johnson sledging almost worked where he was throwing his bat like a maniac for 2-3 overs but was lucky.

Also as captain, I have seen his captaincy oscillate between amazing to utterly crazy time to time. When he gets rattled, he really gets rattled.

By this outburst, Kohli is showing that there is an opening to get him which teams could try out. If he is in sublime form or in good form, this may not affect him. But if he is on the backfoot, it may.

There are some who've associated mythical status with him under pressure. Ignoring that, I'm specifically talking about his body language. He enters into a mental state which is visible in his eyes(this is something most athletes who've played at a competitive level are able to identify because they've entered it as well at some stage, the greatest athletes take it to another level) where his body starts to work in perfect synchronization and he's fearless of defeat(notice that I did not say he's focused on winning rather the thought of a loss is eliminated). This heightens his senses and his technical game becomes cutting edge sharp, muscle memory of all those practice hours starts to kick in. He's just moving not thinking.

Now can he fail in that state, yes of course. But he's looking for that challenge because it gets him going, hence all these comments. While fans fear of his failure, he's fearless of failure. He actually wants the challenge. Listen to him speak, he's no idiot. Even in this interview, he was very calm. He knows what he's inviting towards him and he welcomes it.

He also understands his flaws as captain, highlighted them in Shastri's interview that there were many moments where he had trouble finding balance between restricting and attacking fields, it was quite challenging to stop the run flow and attack simultaneously, that is something I have to improve on. He understands the game and his flaws. Acting like the perfect politically correct captain is against his character, he will speak his mind while knowing the consequences. He does not have to change that because he's become captain. Ultimately what matters is how his team responds to his leadership. If they were against it, then it becomes a problem.

 

[Gilly]

Which is good for cricket, because it weakens the Big Three.

The Aussie public, like the English one, was already sick of endless series v India. When I attended the World Cup semi-final at the SCG, the Indian 80% of the crowd just left as soon as Dhoni ran himself out. The Aussie fans were horrified at how unsporting their Indian counterparts were - in contrast with the Kiwis four days later.

So if the Aussie and Indian players have a fractured relationship, good.

It actually strengthens the big three, the more intense and fiery these matches are the more money generated for the boards.

And again just because the white nurse you work for was horrified at how unsporting the Indian supporters were does not equate to "The Aussie fans".

The boards would be super pleased at how this series unfolded, great cricket, intense coverage and plenty of emotion which all translates into $$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[godzilla]

I didn't watch the controversies closely, but that said, I'm inclined to side with kohli. the Aussies have been consistent with their history for being brash, classless and offensive - whether its culture or not, they have been the worst perpetrators of playing the game without any cricketing spirit. its good to see someone stand up to them and good to see them cry when the shoe doesn't fit on the other foot.

the Indian management tend to be puerile and petulant and hilariously hold grudges - so although I expect ultimately money will talk when it comes to the ipl, and this will be put down to a pr stunt - if theres one country that might mean it and hold the grudge, its india.

 

[Balthazar]

India vs Pakistan would be a great riqvalry. Because both are strong in the Asian conditions and there is an added political flare.

There is no rivalry with Pakistan at least on-the field. Both teams need to be on equal terms, but as Ganguly put it India is much superior team to Pakistan.

 

[Specialisttailender]

Kohli is an indian hero and icon, if an IPL owner dosent care about his feelings than they should move to Pakistan.

If they care about their country they wouldn't corrupt politicians and cut corners in their businesses. They are mad wealthy because of their hunger and greediness for money.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Current Ipl team Kohli captains doesn't have any Aussie international so doesn't matter.

Pune has Smith captaining Rahane and Ash will be interesting how this season goes. Maxi shall be Punjab skipper.

Pune vs Bglr and Punjab be bglr Ipl matches shall be fun however

 

[Itachi]

Embarrassing stuff.

He should have had act more professional.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Virat Kohli is driven by the gigantic ego of his. The world can judge and hate him as much as they like, apparently he uses the this dark force only for his better and this is what is appreciable about Kohli.

I hate the way media and fans resort to character assassination at the slightest hint of human emotions and flaws taking over. These are all good men, mostly. Some are there, some are getting there.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Childish from Kohli.

 

[Junaids]

It actually strengthens the big three, the more intense and fiery these matches are the more money generated for the boards.

And again just because the white nurse you work for was horrified at how unsporting the Indian supporters were does not equate to "The Aussie fans".

The boards would be super pleased at how this series unfolded, great cricket, intense coverage and plenty of emotion which all translates into $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Except it wasn't a close series, it was just an unruly and thuggish one.

Australia ambushed India at the beginning by winning on a result wicket.

Then India bowled Australia out for 112 to level at 1-1.

Then India scored over 600 to bat Australia out of the Third Test.

Then India bowled Australia out for 137 to win 2-1.

India won convincingly in the end. If the argument is that it was an undecided series until India won it in the last Test you can say that about every Two Test series ever, even involving Zimbabwe.

The total number of non-subcontinental Australians who are looking forward to the next meeting of these teams is a nice round number. Zero.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Except it wasn't a close series, it was just an unruly and thuggish one.

........................

Forget my opinion, even though I watched every session of this series, commentator after commentator has called this one of the most intense, competitive series in a long time.

You have not let your lack of direct insight, knowledge or sense get in the way of making embarrassingly ludicrous statements.

 

[Junaids]

Forget my opinion, even though I watched every session of this series, commentator after commentator has called this one of the most intense, competitive series in a long time.

You have not let your lack of direct insight, knowledge or sense get in the way of making embarrassingly ludicrous statements.

Yes, we've seen what happens to commentators who don't parrot the BCCI line.

112 all out
603-9 declared
137 all out

Really close Tests. I don't think!

 

[Cricket Fanatic]

Such an embarrassing rivalry this is

It's pretty one sided. Australians just don't care about India. Australia's main rivalry is with England and to a lesser extent South Africa but relations remain friendly after a series with the those two.

To be honest I am glad to see the back of this series as the behaviour of Virat Kohli and one or two of the Australian team has been a disgrace.

I'm more ****** off at the blind passion of Indian fans on social media who have all but replaced Tendulkar as their God and refuse to see him for what he is, a petulant child who is unfit to be the captain of his country.

 

[Cricket Fanatic]

Yes, we've seen what happens to commentators who don't parrot the BCCI line.

112 all out
603-9 declared
137 all out

Really close Tests. I don't think!

I used to once be a big fan of Ravi Shastri but I really do believe he's become a sellout and just toes the BCCI line. The guy never actually gives us his honest opinions or insights into anything anymore he just trots out the BCCI party line that any criticism of the Indian team and the BCCI is down to "jealousy of India".

 

[JaDed]

Perform well ,comments won't matter ,last test proved to what length Aussies can talk as well and their media will be silent.

 

[Gilly]

Yes, we've seen what happens to commentators who don't parrot the BCCI line.

Just goes to show, you can take the boy out of Pakistan but you cant take Pakistan out of the boy.

 

[Varun]

Kohli's stock has dipped dangerously this series.

At least not scoring runs happens to every batsman, but the associated whingeing is downright horrendous and unnecessary.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Yes, we've seen what happens to commentators who don't parrot the BCCI line.

112 all out
603-9 declared
137 all out

Really close Tests. I don't think!

You have given three sets of numbers across three Tests to prove the series wasn't close!

Presumably you will one day say that 505 all out in a game 'shows' that, never mind when and where it happened, it was a dull and boring Test.

The captain of the Australian team has called it one of the most engaging series he has been part of. Australian commentators - with no ties to the BCCI- have rated it highly.

But you seem to know know more than all of them.

Carry on sir. If you think that this proves your point, then I raise my hat to you. I will withdraw from this conversation.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Hope the rivalry kohli vs smith continues. Will be good watching Pune vs RCB. Also when INDIA tours to AUS.

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

As an captain of an international team ,he should not have said this in public or media.

 

[Cricket Fanatic]

Hope the rivalry kohli vs smith continues. Will be good watching Pune vs RCB. Also when INDIA tours to AUS.

Kohli is most likely to going to find himself in the same situation England's Stuart Broad was four years ago where he will be the pantomime villain and will cop plenty from the Australian crowds.

I am not sure Kohli will have the same temperament to cope with it if he cops the same amount of stick that Broad did.

 

[Sanzcool]

Current Ipl team Kohli captains doesn't have any Aussie international so doesn't matter.

Pune has Smith captaining Rahane and Ash will be interesting how this season goes. Maxi shall be Punjab skipper.

Pune vs Bglr and Punjab be bglr Ipl matches shall be fun however

Travis Head, Stanlake and Watson

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Travis Head, Stanlake and Watson

They are not part of Aussie test xi.

 

[Sanzcool]

Kohli is most likely to going to find himself in the same situation England's Stuart Broad was four years ago where he will be the pantomime villain and will cop plenty from the Australian crowds.

I am not sure Kohli will have the same temperament to cope with it if he cops the same amount of stick that Broad did.

Steve Smith pretty much apologized because he didn't want to get boeed at every stadium, but gonna get it properly at Bangalore and also have a healthy relationship with Indian counterparts in the IPL

On the other hand, Virat will enjoy if he gets good stick from the crowd, he will give it back properly then and there

 

[Cricket Fanatic]

Steve Smith pretty much apologized because he didn't want to get boeed at every stadium, but gonna get it properly at Bangalore and also have a healthy relationship with Indian counterparts in the IPL

On the other hand, Virat will enjoy if he gets good stick from the crowd, he will give it back properly then and there

He didn't handle it too well during the 2011-12 series when he flipped the middle finger to the Sydney crowd after he copped some jibes from the outer and it's plain to see he hasn't grown up at all in those 5-6 years since that series.

In fact all this series has proven is he may be a fantastic cricketer which anybody who knows the game like we all do would agree on but he still has the mentality of a child who is desperate to be the centre of attention.

I felt very sorry for Rahane who stood in for him in Dharmasala who wanted to catch up with the Australian team for some post game drinks but Kohli knocked it on the head and went on that child like tantrum of how relations between the two teams was now damaged.

 

[Slog]

Kohli's stock has dipped dangerously this series.

At least not scoring runs happens to every batsman, but the associated whingeing is downright horrendous and unnecessary.

good to see you're calling a spade a spade

Kumble needs to have a talk with Kohli

India won the series in which he did f'all for the first three tests and didnt even play the series clincher. However all the post-match attention is on him due to his statements

 

[ShoonyaSifar]

good to see you're calling a spade a spade

Kumble needs to have a talk with Kohli

India won the series in which he did f'all for the first three tests and didnt even play the series clincher. However all the post-match attention is on him due to his statements

He is the full time captain and it is his team. He's every right to bask in the glory of the most successful home season we have ever had and to add to it the ICC number 1 test ranking which this team has held for over 9 months now.

He's made one comment and moved to to why winning overseas will be the true challenge for this team. The whiners and haters OTOH are stuck on that one comment of his like sore losers.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

As if australian players give a damn about friendships with indian players. All those friendly moments and selfies look fake because they all care about earning money through IPL. Like it or not indian players and fans will still welcome all these australian players because we need them to make our Indian Pyjama League interesting.

 

[Amirforpresident]

Why do some of the Indian posters drag Pakistan in to this??
I dont have any problems with Indians at all, but if youre so nationalistic and hate Pakistan that much then why dont you go to an Indian forum?.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Before the series Kohli has said that most Aussie players are friends off the field.After the series he was again asked if that has changed and he gave an honest reply.Good on him.


Aussie media crying about Indians refusing to share a beer with aussies.Lol.If i am not wrong couple of saffers also said that this aussie made rule of sledging and abusing on field and trying to be matey if it doesnt wash with many.

 

[Gilly]

Before the series Kohli has said that most Aussie players are friends off the field.After the series he was again asked if that has changed and he gave an honest reply.Good on him.


Aussie media crying about Indians refusing to share a beer with aussies.Lol.If i am not wrong couple of saffers also said that this aussie made rule of sledging and abusing on field and trying to be matey if it doesnt wash with many.

All teams have their flaws, Aussies sledge, Poms whinge, Indians lie and so on. Its just the way of the world, if you did nothing then you would be nothing.

 

[R0H1T]

All teams have their flaws, Aussies sledge, Poms whinge, Indians lie and so on. Its just the way of the world, if you did nothing then you would be nothing.

And the Aussies don't lie, must be noice living in that Utopia? Cue in the Aussie apologists & journalists ~

Reporter: Virat, what was it about this Australian team that made them your toughest challenge over all these tests.

Virat: I think they, they had the belief of making things happen in these conditions. It's something that I sensed in their body language, in the way they played their cricket. They believe that they can, you know, win sessions and win situations and they are willing to enjoy the challenge, that was the most important thing and the most challenging thing for us.
Where teams really lose their morale once they lose a test match in India, but they kept bouncing back and they had the desire to compete throughout and that's why they are the number two side in the world. You know, you expect that from Australia, once they get a sniff they would put you under pressure, but you know, the way we responded I'm really proud of that as well. But I would say the relentlessness in their desire to make things happen in these conditions was probably the reason why they kept giving us, you know, a great fight til the end of this test match, so a lot of credit goes to them.

Reporter: Virat you said before the first test in Pune that a lot of the Australian players were really good friends with you off the field, has that changed during this series or is that just heat of the battle stuff that's gone on here?

Virat: No it has changed for sure. I, I thought that was the case but it has changed for sure. you know, as I said, in the heat of the battle yes, you want to be competitive but I've been proven wrong. The thing I said before the first test, that has certainly changed and you won't hear me say that ever again.

 

[Gilly]

And the Aussies don't lie, must be noice living in that Utopia? Cue in the Aussie apologists & journalists ~

Hey if you live in a land where Indians don't sledge and swear then I live in a land where aussies don't lie. lol

 

[CricketCartoons]

Serves them right. These same aussies will now come to Virat to gain his friendship, because they know if they have to be in IPL, they cannot mess with the guy who is toast of the nation. Expecting all this fake bravado to disappear and they will be lining up to shake hands with Virat!!

 

[R0H1T]

Hey if you live in a land where Indians don't sledge and swear then I live in a land where aussies don't lie. lol

I don't but I do believe in this day & age an eye for an eye is a just & pretty appropriate response. Having said that at the end of the day the ICC should punish both the instigator & the one retaliating, the fact that they let obscenities on the field play devolve into something more horrific, like the Lillee/Minadad or Symonds/Harbhajan fiasco, just goes to show where their collective heads are stuck. I respect people who don't respond to profanities with profanities, but not everyone can handle that & so the response is not anymore inappropriate than what the instigator's done, whether it be India/Aussie or whoever.