Harsha Bhogle replies to Virat Kohli’s criticism of the media

Bhogle explained that media in no situation can stop a cricketer from performing well; it’s their mentality which helps them to succeed or fail in the game.

Cricket and media share an old relationship, there have been instances when these relationships have been smooth and at times it has been bitter too. It all depends on the situation and how one perceives it.

The recently concluded Test series between India and South Africa, which saw the hosts wining the series by 3-0 created a lot of fuss in the cricket fraternity as well as media. The nature of the pitch has been the talk of the town in the entire series as it assisted a lot of spin which was India’s primary weapon.

In a recent interview with BCCI.TV, Virat Kohli opened up on various topics and gave his opinions. He was quoted saying, “Someone who hasn’t played for the country has no right to comment on an international cricketer anyway. I don’t think that has any kind of logic. You cannot sit there and say how you would have done something differently when you have not been in that situation yourself and don’t have the mindset of a cricketer.” Also Read: ‘Hurt’ Virat Kohli slams critics; says don’t comment if you haven’t played for country

It could be said that it was indirectly pointed towards renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle. Media and pundits of the game along with former cricketers have placed their opinions on the entire series which may have triggered Kohli to speak up.

Bhogle in his column for The Indian Express replied to Kohli’s comments and was quoted saying, “By suggesting that those who hadn’t played international cricket had no right to talk about how the game should be played, he was in effect making a comment on how the media should go about things which, by his own measure and given he hasn’t been part of it, he cannot sit in judgement over.”

Bhogle explained that media in no situation can stop a cricketer from performing well; it’s their mentality which helps them to succeed or fail in the game. He further said that Kohli was making a comment on how the media should function. Bhogle went on to explain that why Kohli was right to some extent and what has the media business been reduced to, “Having said that, Kohli isn’t entirely wrong either because the media’s obsession with searching for the bad and the scandalous is worrisome, especially in a medium where advertising revenue is linked to viewership. And given that good news isn’t as arresting as bad, we are seeing an unhealthy obsession with whatever generates eyeballs. The deplorable “Shame in Sydney” affair immediately after the World Cup semi-final is an example of how people are willing to dump objectivity and balance (which you would imagine is essential in the news industry) in a mad headlong rush for attention.”

Bhogle further said that Kohli has missed out on the praises which he earned as a captain and even some scintillating performances by his teammate were highlighted. He spoke about the emotional condition of a player and how it affects the mentality of that player. He added saying, “It is also true that when you are upset and angry, you tend to notice things that appeal to those emotions. So Kohli would have missed the wholesome praise that came his way for the manner in which he led what is still an evolving team; for the manner in which he handled his bowlers and for showing signs of becoming an excellent bowler’s captain. His lead bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, was compared favourably with the very best spinners who have played the game and his modest and unassuming middle order player, Ajinkya Rahane, was widely feted for his aesthetic and selfless batting.“

Bhogle concluded by praising Kohli and feels that he has a lucrative career ahead which will also benefit team Indian.