PBKS vs RCB: 'Virat Kohli shouldn't have said...' - Wasim Akram aligns with Sunil Gavaskar in controversial IPL feud

The ongoing IPL 2024 was controversy-free until the lucrative T20 league found itself embroiled in a heated exchange between Indian cricketing icons Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar. Kohli, known for his aggressive demeanor on the field, hit back at the criticism surrounding his batting style, especially his strike rate and ability to bat against spin bowling.

Expressing his displeasure after one of the RCB’s IPL 2024 games, Kohli lashed out at cricket experts and commentators for their opinions, which later received a fiery response from the legendary batter.

Gavaskar, who is never one to shy away from voicing his opinions, questioned Kohli's reaction, asking why he would be bothered by external noise or opinions if they truly didn't affect him.

Wasim Akram slams Virat Kohli for his remarks on Sunil Gavaskar's comments

The former Indian skipper stressed that the commentators have the right to analyze the game and have a say on what’s happening on the field. However, Gavaskar's remarks ignited a social media storm, with Kohli's fans criticizing the legendary batter for often targeting the RCB star.

While the Kohli-Gavaskar clash dominated headlines, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram weighed in on the debate. The legendary Pakistani pacer came out in support of Gavaskar and stressed that Kohli's comments were unnecessary. Akram emphasized that commentators, including Gavaskar, are simply doing their jobs, and they should be respected as such.

Wasim Akram was quoted as saying by SportsKeeda: “Both are greats. Sunny bhai, as a cricketer, as a human being, I know him off the field. As a commentator, he has been doing it for God knows how many years, probably for more than two and a half years. And coming to the great man, Virat Kohli, he is a top player, a modern great. In fact, he is an all-time great in history, given the kind of performances he has had. But "I think Virat shouldn't have said it.”

Akram further noted, “It is the commentators' job. If he got slow in a couple of matches and he [Gavaskar] said something, forget about it. Virat is not that kind of a person. Both are proud Indians; both are greats. It's OK; they both will move in pretty quickly. Don't think either will take it personally. They will be fine, I know. I am telling you now. I know them both very well.”

Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar had a history

Before this incident, Gavaskar had found himself in hot water after slamming Kohli. In IPL 2020, after Kohli's dismissal in a match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Gavaskar said that the RCB star practiced only during the lockdown against Anushka Sharma's bowling, referencing a video of the couple playing cricket on their terrace.

The remark sparked controversy, prompting Anushka herself to respond and question Gavaskar's statement. However, Gavaskar later clarified that he never intended to involve Anushka. Well, Kohli will be seen in action on May 9, when the RCB will take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamshala. However, RCB have very slim chances for the IPL 2024 playoffs.