Does using an on-field microphone to interact and engage with the telecasters make you a chatterbox? Virat Kohli certainly thought so when he gave Steven Smith a fiery send-off in the first T20 between Australia and India.
Kohli saw red when his opposing Test counterpart lost his wicket cheaply while commentating live for Channel Nine.
Australian viewers were not amused with the manner of Smith’s dismissal, blaming the broadcasters for disturbing his concentration, and taking in hordes to Twitter over the broadcaster’s unwelcome intrusion.
This kind of circus is part and parcel of the Big Bash League and the Indian Premier League. The purported purpose is to make the the viewers and the expert commentators feel part of the action.
What’s really going on? Do fans really need insights from batsmen about what’s happening on the field?
It would be better if mic’ing up players was restricted to fielders and umpires. Bowlers and batsmen need to focus on the next ball. Fielding and umpriring are much more instinctive, consisting of reacting to on-field events as they occur. Batsmen and bowlers need to plan and pace their innings and overs.
But what was the actual reason for Kohli’s acrid mouthing off and signing?
Could it be that the Indian was not pleased that Smith was shielded from the banter fielders engage in when rival batsmen are at the crease?
Kohli has mentioned that he sees nothing wrong with sledging the opposition, and his young Indian side are known for not holding back, unlike previous Indian sides.
Sledgers wouldn’t enjoy their choicest jibes drowned out by commentary from the press box. Additionally, they have to be careful, lest their tomfoolery be caught by the sensitive microphones.
Assuming that what the fielders said did carry to Smith, how would he be able to focus with three or more sets of sounds in his eardrums – fielders’ banter, experts’ questions, noise from the crowd, and finally the sound of his own voice.
That sounds like a lot to take in, even for a man who has scored a mountain of runs in every format over the past two years.
Kohli had a hand (and mouth) in Smith’s dismissal, catching the Aussie Test captain off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. Smith immediately shut up, giving no further feedback to the Nine commentary team.
Linus Fernandes
Guest
Overgrown men playing sport in colored clothing is not childish? I think we shouldn't expect too much from sportspersons on the field. Not everyone can be a Roger Federer!
Linus Fernandes
Guest
The original piece is available here: http://maketimeforsports.com/2016/01/28/chatter-box-steve-smith-finds-virat-kohli-too-emotional-to-handle/ It has been updated since to incorporate Kohli's explanation of his behavior. Thanks, Rellum! PS: I would have posted this sooner but could not get to a desktop till now!
Jameswm
Guest
Agreed it's not typical. Childish was the other adjective I meant to use.
Linus Fernandes
Roar Rookie
I think Kohli's behaviour on the field is not typical of most Indian players. But at the same time, he's been the stand-out performer in the side after the exit of the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Sehwag. It'll be interesting to see if fans and more specifically the Indian media forgive his abrasive attitude if he starts floundering. MS Dhoni is well aware of Indian fans' vicissitudes; his house was stoned following the 2007 ODI World Cup debacle. He has learnt to treat both wins and losses with equanimity.
Annoyedofit
Guest
Awwww, you should know the rules by now. You can do whatever you want as long as you're not donning an Australian shirt
Jameswm
Guest
The thing about Kohli's sledging and behaviour on field, is that it comes across as nasty, and bad-tempered. Haddin for example gave a couple of send-offs in the WC final, and amused the media before the game, but all with a smile on his face. Some of the past Aussies have come across that way - Haydos etc - and have been criticised for it. Kohli should cop it for his onfield demeanour as well. Some have said he isn't the most popular guy with his teammates.
anon
Guest
I love Kohli's attitude. The Indians have allowed the Aussies to kick sand in their faces for years.
Linus Fernandes
Roar Rookie
I think that the Indian team's policy is to give as good as they get or what they feel they get. I'm not too sure if they're very smart about it, though!
Linus Fernandes
Roar Rookie
Thanks, AlanKC!
Andy
Guest
I think sending someone off when they get out is fine but only between equals and if you are part of the reason they get out. So the likes of Kholi and Smith and Warner can only give each other a send off and only if they take the catch. For Kholi or Smith to have a go at Usman or Pandya would be wrong, unless the 'lesser' player starts it and does it a couple of times whilst out there batting or bowling. Sledging has more leeway, you can sledge anyone i think.
moaman
Roar Guru
Kaks; we have seen plenty of India in NZ in recent years and i can't recall any bad behaviour from them.Rest assured,I would comment on it if it occurred.Similarly Sri lanka and Pakistan.The only recent blemish has been from one or two knobs in the home crowd (Wellington) and an errant Ground Announcer.
moaman
Roar Guru
I agree Linus and have always said so. It has always struck me as a cowardly act when the batsman has no possible decent chance to even the ledger as it were. ps I have no idea whether or not Chui and 'the older' share our opinion......
Chui
Guest
And predictably one of the Kiwi 'tight five' comes in with something against Australians.
Kaks
Roar Guru
In keeping with the trend that occured when everyone was saying how the Australian Cricket team is full of angry, evil, bad sports - I expect at least 74 articles a day about how India are bad sports for sledging in Cricket. I then expect at least 100 comments on articles by Kiwis saying that India are bad sports, unlike the saintly Kiwis who would never even hurt a fly and are just there to have fun and play a sport they love.
AlanKC
Guest
"tomfoolery" - Now there's a word that doesn't get used often enough :)
Mike Dugg
Roar Rookie
The new New Zealand cricket team are the finest exponents of sportsmanship I've ever seen on any sporting field in my time. All athletes should look to them to a perfect display of class and sophistication in sport, miraculously led by one Brendan Mccullum
Linus Fernandes
Roar Rookie
I don't think anyone enjoys getting a send-off when dismissed. Not the Australians, and certainly not the Indians. It's the most inopportune ( or opportune, depending on whose perspective ) moment to be sledged.
the older
Guest
these Australians, can't do any thing right can they, should be more like NZ.
moaman
Roar Guru
Facinating. " I don’t think you need to do that kind of thing when someone gets out. “It’s fine to have a little bit of banter when you’re out in the field, but when someone’s out I don’t really think that’s on.” I wonder if Smith held & expressed that view whilst team-mates with the foul-mouthed Brad Haddin?
Linus Fernandes
Roar Rookie
Thanks, Rellum. This was a speculative article, more tongue-in-cheek than anything else.