Michael Clarke labels Virat Kohli-Donald Trump comparison a load of sh*t'
Dharamshala: Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke slammed the media in his country for its tumultuous attacks on current India skipper Virat Kohli.
Kohli, who has been the centre of controversy during the four-Test series against Australia, had been critical of the visiting team, who according to him, used illegal methods of calling for DRS referrals in the second Test in Bengaluru.
The flames were further flamed after Kohli criticised the Australian team for allegedly taunting Team India physio Patrick Farhart, who was treating Kohli after he injured himself while trying to save a run in the third Test in Ranchi.
To escalate the tensions further, Aussie allrounder Glenn Maxwell was seen taunting Kohli with regards to his shoulder injury, while the India skipper was batting during the Ranchi Test.
Australian publication The Daily Telegraph had slammed Kohli, comparing him with United States of America President Donald Trump, even going to say: “Soft cricketing administrators have given rise to a bat-wielding Trump.”
The publication also went on to claim that Kohli “is a law unto himself”, who has “proven that the spirit of cricket is officially dead”.
“Like former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga, Kohli relies on a flagrant disrespect of his opponents and the game to fuel himself and his team,” claimed the publication.
When asked about the comparisons between Virat Kohli and Donald Trump, Michael Clarke minced no words, when asked about the Australian media’s criticism of Kohli, saying: "Comparing Virat Kohli with Donald Trump – what a load of sh*t is that. What Virat did, even Smith would have.
"Bear in mind, I love Kohli and the Australian public love him. It's just two or three reporters who are trying to tarnish him," said Clarke.
The ex-Aussie batsman further went on to praise Kohli for showing character and carrying on playing, despite sustaining a shoulder injury.
"Virat is tough and if you're number one, then you have got to be tough. That's how champions play," said Clarke.
Famous cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also criticised the media for “promoting devisiveness” in a hard-fought Test series between India and Australia.
