Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh has caused a stir with a TV commentary moment where he was critical of Indian captain Virat Kohli.
The Australian is being praised in some pockets of social media for daring to provide scathing analysis on Kohli’s fielding.
Waugh has also been attacked on social media after suggesting Kohli has work to do if he wants to remain India’s best option for fielding in the slips.
Waugh, widey regarded as one of the finest fielders Australia has ever produced, criticised Kohli when he dropped Steve Smith early in Australia’s disastrous first innings against India in Nagpur.
Watch Australia’s Tour of India. Every Test & ODI live & ad-break free during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Axar Patel had managed to get Smith nicking off while driving to a low half-volley, but Kohli seemed to be caught on his heels.
Snatching at the ball in front of him with an outstretched right hand, Kohli was never in with a chance
Kohli also put down Peter Handscomb when fielding in the slips to the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja.
“It’s like he doesn’t think the ball will come to him, looks away from the game,” Waugh said in commentary for Star Sports.
“You have got to read the play. You have got to pretend you are actually batting when you are fielding at first slip to the spinners.”
The commentary left his colleagues a bit lost for words.
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri and Dinesh Karthik were awkwardly subdued at the end of Waugh’s comments.
Waugh also said: “Your legs have to be lot closer to be able to move quickly. Kohli was very high-up in his position. Should have stayed down a bit. He should have done a little bit better. Almost as if he wasn’t expecting it.
“He’s a pretty good fielder but there are a few technical things that he can work on. Those chances that dropped they both came quickly. Maybe change a couple of things, the way he stands and then he won’t drop any more catches.”
Kohli has 104 catches to his name in Test cricket and did pop up to take the catch that removed Pat Cummins later in the day’s play.
Waugh’s insightful analysis earned plenty of praise for holding Kohli accountable — something few commentators have been willing to do while the 34-year-old remains cricket’s biggest star.
Waugh was only a late call-up to call the action for Star Sport, replacing Michael Clarke after the former captain was dumped following his notorious Noosa incident.
