Tim Southee Reacts To Virat Kohli's Controversial Behaviour In Christchurch Test

Not only his form but Virat Kohli’s behaviour in the second Test against New Zealand was also a major talking point. The India skipper failed miserably with the bat in the two Tests and things only became worse for him because of his behaviour in the Christchurch game.

After the dismissal of his New Zealand counterpart Kane Williamson in the first innings, he appeared to yell “Behenc**d” – a Hindu slang for a crude sexual insult. Not only that, he also fired some insults at the New Zealand spectators as he  appeared to shout “Shut the fu*k up,” in the direction of the crowd after the fall of Tom Latham’s wicket.

And while Virat Kohli is receiving criticism from all around for his outbursts, he has received some support from an unlikely source – New Zealand pacer Tim Southee. The New Zealand pace spearhead, who made life difficult for the India batting mainstay on the tour, defended Virat Kohli’s behaviour.

Tim Southee told told Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report that he’s played with Kohli in India and had no problems with him.

“He’s a very passionate guy… and very energetic in the field,” Tim Southee said before adding: “He tries to bring out the best in himself…”

Southee wasn’t sure exactly what happened on the field and what Kohli said to the crowd or to Kane Williamson. But he said the test was played in a “competitive nature” and there was “no more or less” animosity between the sides.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli lost his cool in the press conference on Tuesday when a New Zealand journalist asked him about his behaviour in the game. The India star refused to answer the question and instead told the journalist:

“You need to find out exactly what happened and then come with a better question. You can’t come here with half questions and half details of what happened.

“And also if you want to create controversy this is not the right place to be. I spoke to the match referee and he had no issue with what happened. Thank you.”

Also Read: In-form Ishan Porel Can Even Dismiss Virat Kohli, Says Bengal Ranji Coach Arun Lal