NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe has issued an apology for his controversial feedback concerning Virat Kohli, following a confrontation with debutant Sam Konstas in the course of the fourth Take a look at match on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG).
O’Keeffe had earlier criticised Kohli’s behaviour, suggesting that the Indian star “constructed his whole profession on vanity”.
His remarks got here after Kohli’s on-field face-off with Konstas, the place the aggressive Kohli appeared to take exception to the debutant’s rising stake.
O’Keeffe’s feedback, made throughout a dwell broadcast, have been harsh and claimed that Kohli was unable to deal with one other participant matching his depth.
On Thursday, he stated, “Kohli has constructed his whole profession on vanity. Kohli has constructed his entire profession on vanity. All of a sudden, he recognized that in a debutant and appeared to resent it.”
The ex-cricketer’s remarks have been shortly met with backlash from followers and pundits alike, with many questioning the appropriateness of his phrases.
In his apology, O’Keeffe expressed remorse for labelling Kohli’s aggressive spirit as vanity, clarifying his place, “I wish to apologise for calling Virat Kohli’s behaviour vanity. I should not have stated that. He has bought a swagger and performs his cricket like that. I believe when he noticed one other participant displaying swagger like him, he bought a bit aggravated and reacted in that trend. Kohli is a passionate cricketer and his aggression is what makes him a aggressive cricketer.”
Kohli, who had been charged by the ICC for a shoulder bump with Konstas, was fined 20% of his match payment for breaching Stage 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. He additionally acquired one demerit level for inappropriate bodily contact with one other participant.
