New Delhi: Virat Kohli's maturity not just as a player but as a captain was also put to test in the 4th match between India and England in Mumbai when Jimmy Anderson stated that Indian pitches' lack of bounce and pace hides Kohli's technical flaws.
After winning the 4th Test with a comprehensive margin of an innings and 36 runs, the Indian skipper opened up on Anderson's remarks urging the England veteran to "move on" but also made it clear that playing "sarcastic mind games" is not his cup of tea.
As England had lost 9 wickets, No. 11 batsman Anderson was welcomed with Ravichandran Ashwin on pitch as the Indian bowler was witnessed accompanying the Englishman with a brief chat until the batsman's crease.
Kohli, also mentioned Ashwin had just told Anderson, in no uncertain terms, about importance of "accepting defeat".
On being asked about the incident, Virat potrayed an elderly statesman like attitude.
"It was the first time I was trying to calm things down at a time when he is (Anderson) involved. Ashwin was not pleased with whatever he had said in the press (yesterday). Ashwin told me on the ground, I had no clue about it. I was laughing about it, but Ashwin was not too impressed," Kohli told mediapersons.
"He (Ashwin) let him know, not using bad words at all, I think he said he was pretty disappointed in what he said and it's important to accept defeat and things like that. You know how Ashwin is, to the point he can really strike you well without using bad words. That's exactly what happened. Later on, I told James these things happen and it's time to move on," Kohli showed that he is ready to put an end to the controversy.
Rival captain Alastair Cook termed it as something that has been blown out of proportion.
"It was a bit of a sour end really. A disappointing end in terms of how well the spirit between both sides has been. It was clearly reference to what Jimmy said yesterday which has kind of been blown out of all proportions which it can happen here," said Cook.
But Cook's next comment seemed to indicate that he endorsed what his senior-most fast bowler had said.
"He (Anderson) was just stating a fact which if you asked Virat is probably quite true. But yes, it was obviously just ticking up for their captain, which I thought was slightly unnecessary," he added.
(With PTI inputs)
