Could Ishant Sharma Be Right Calling Kohli a Cricket Gangster?

Ishant Sharma, one of the best Indian bowlers in the Test format, recently claimed Virat Kohli as a gangster on the field. While fans have argued about his aggressive behaviour against the opponents, Ishant Sharma’s words add more to the same, as he hailed the King as a Gangster.

He didn't only praise the aggressive nature of Virat Kohli, but also talked about the change in mindset of the Indian team, since Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri took over in 2015. Ishant also said that Kohli would not let any opponent player sledge his teammates at any costs, and this has been seen by fans a number of times. Let's take a look at some of Kohli's most aggressive moments as a captain.

Virat Kohli has been known for protecting his teammates, and this was seen immediately after he took India's captaincy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014. During the Adelaide Test, Steven Smith smashed the Indian bowlers all around the park, as Kohli decided to let Rohit Sharma bowl to him.

2. Kohli Puts Anderson in His Place

Virat Kohli played his last England tour in the Test format as a captain during the 2021/22 series. Fans anticipated the clash between Kohli and Anderson with the bat and ball, but the two icons of the game decided to have a verbal spat on the field.

This incident took place in the Lord's Test, when Anderson and Kohli first had various staredowns. After which, Virat Kohli even lashed out at Anderson for his actions on the field, telling him that this is not his backyard that he could do anything he wants. Kohli also reminded him that old age has made him a chirping bird.

Another famous sledging incident related to Virat Kohli came back during the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when he took over as the captain of the team in the Test format. Kohli came out to bat at number four, as Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed at a cheap score. He went against the Aussie bowlers with full confidence, who went at him with short balls.

Against Mitchell Johnson, Kohli played a delivery towards him and Johnson attempted to run him out with a throw. However, the throw connected with Kohli's body, as he went back towards Johnson, confronting him for his actions.

4. Kohli’s Sledge Rattles Paine

As soon as Tim Paine came to bat, Kohli targeted him from the slips, as some verbal exchanges also took place between the two players. After this, when Tim Paine lost his wicket to the Indian team, Kohli gave a long send-off to him, giving a statement of his aggressive nature.