March 3, New Delhi: In November 2018, Congress spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed sparked a heated debate after criticizing Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli for his response to a fan during a public interaction. Kohli had made headlines for his passionate reply to a fan who expressed a preference for English and Australian batsmen over Indian players. The incident resurfaced recently, drawing fresh reactions from social media users who accused Mohamed of being overly critical of Indian cricketers.
The 2018 Incident: Kohli’s Fiery Response
During a candid interaction with fans, Virat Kohli read a message from a user who called him an “overrated batsman” and stated, “I have seen nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians.”
Kohli, known for his fierce patriotism, responded emphatically, saying, “I don’t think you should live in India. Go and live somewhere else. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries?” He further added, “I don’t mind you not liking me, but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.”
Dr. Shama Mohamed’s Criticism
Mohamed took to social media to criticize Kohli’s remarks, questioning his stance given his global lifestyle and preferences. In a post from November 2018, she wrote, “Virat Kohli plays a British-invented game, makes crores from endorsing foreign brands, gets married in Italy, names Herschelle Gibbs his favorite cricketer and Angelique Kerber the best tennis player, but tells those who love foreign batsmen to leave India.”
Her comments reignited the debate, with many social media users accusing her of being overly critical of Indian cricketers. This is not the first time Mohamed has been at the center of such controversies. Earlier, she faced backlash for her comments about Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, leading to accusations of bias against Indian players.
Social Media Backlash
Social media users were quick to react, with many questioning Mohamed’s motives and loyalty. One user commented, “She hates Rohit, she hates Kohli. Why does Congress hate Indians but love Pakistan?” Another user wrote, “Why are you so anti-India and anti-Indians? Is pulling down your own countrymen and anything that is a source of pride for the nation your only aim in life?”
The controversy has once again highlighted the intersection of sports and politics, with fans defending Kohli’s patriotic stance and criticizing Mohamed for what they perceive as an unnecessary attack on one of India’s most celebrated athletes.
Kohli’s Legacy and Fan Support
Virat Kohli, one of the most successful cricketers in the world, has always been vocal about his love for India and his pride in representing the country. His passionate response in 2018 resonated with many fans who view him as a symbol of national pride. Despite occasional controversies, Kohli continues to enjoy immense support from cricket enthusiasts across the globe.
The recent resurgence of this 2018 incident underscores the enduring impact of Kohli’s words and the polarized reactions they evoke. While some see his remarks as a reflection of his deep-rooted patriotism, others, like Dr. Shama Mohamed, question the consistency of his stance. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of how sports figures often become symbols of larger cultural and political discussions, with their words and actions scrutinized far beyond the cricket field.
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