Virat Kohli got emotional and lost control: Viswanathan Anand on India captain’s ‘leave India’ comment

India chess star Viswanathan Anand feels Virat Kohli lost control after his ‘leave India comment’ on social media snowballed into a massive controversy.

Kohli was taken by surprise after a user said that he is an overrated batsman and prefers to watch England and Australia batsmen. “Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” the user said.

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Kohli fired back at the user: “Okay, I don’t think you should live in India then. You should go and live somewhere else, no? Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? 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.”

“I think he lost control. He got a bit emotional and he just said the first thing that came to his mind,” Anand, a five-time world chess champion was quoted as saying by PTI on Monday.

“That’s the attitude he is comfortable with. In sport, you see all characters, and this is the character that fits him best. I try to be myself. In the end, you should be comfortable in your own skin.”

Anand reckons that the issue needs to be put to rest as Kohli has faced enough backlash for his comments. “Maybe Kohli was caught at a weak moment, feeling a bit sensitive and was not in the best mood maybe. That’s my impression. Then he lost control of it,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu playmaker feels it’s normal for players to get emotional and Kohli was no exception. “People are emotional and they lose control once in a while. It has happened to me even if I was more successful in not showing it. But there are moments when your emotions take over,” he said.

“He has got enough criticism already. It’s over. Those who did not like it, already criticised him so no need to keep piling on it.”