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Virat Kohli-Shikhar Dhawan’s fight reason for ‘unrest’ in Indian dressing room during 2nd Test vs Australia at Brisbane

India vice-captain Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan reportedly had a fallout on the 4th day of 2nd Test.

Virat Kohli (left) and Shikhar Dhawan © Getty Images
Virat Kohli (left) and Shikhar Dhawan © Getty Images

Dec 23, 2014

India vice-captain Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan reportedly had a fallout on the fourth day of the second Test against Australia at Brisbane, as the team struggled to save the match against the rampaging hosts and ended up losing the tie by four wickets.

According to Hindustan Times, as India suffered a batting collapse at The Gabba, the two star batsmen were having a go against each other in the dressing room. Kohli was reportedly furious on the fact that he had to start the proceedings for the day for India ahead of Dhawan, and lashed out at the left-handed batsman after getting out cheaply.

The Indian vice-captain’s reaction in the dressing room raised suspicion that Dhawan excused himself from facing the battery of Australian pacers on Day Four morning, citing injury. Kohli, who scored back-to-back centuries in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval, fell cheaply in both the innings. In India’s second innings, as the team looked to save the game, Kohli survived only 11 deliveries before playing one on to the stumps off Mitchell Johnson.

On his return to the pavilion, Kohli is said to have slammed Dhawan for his cheap dismissal. The dressing room atmosphere got more tense when Dhawan snapped back at the India vice-captain, saying that he takes pride in playing for the country and no way would he fake an injury. Dhawan also reportedly said he would rather sit out if he is not performing, than doing so.

India team director Ravi Shastri intervened to calm things down in the dressing room, which soon got a panic wave as the team lost three wickets in about as many overs. Dhawan came out to bat at the fall of the seventh wicket, and scored 81 runs.

After the loss, PTI reported that all may not be well in the Indian dressing room with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni revealing that there was some “unrest” resulting from “lack of communication” with the in-form Kohli before batting collapse in the lost second Test against Australia. India lost the match by four wickets after being bowled out for a mere 224 in their second innings which left a paltry target of 128 for Australia to chase.

The drama inside the dressing room was triggered by overnight unbeaten batsman Dhawan injuring his elbow during a practice session but revealing the extent of discomfort just before the day’s play was to start. The Indians had to send Virat Kohli ahead of him but the batsman was informed of the change less than seven minutes before the visitors took the field.

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