Aussie cricket legend becomes public enemy No. 1 in India

An Aussie cricket great has risked life and limb with a piece of TV commentary that crossed a line few have dared to tread.

Former cricketers and now commentators Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh. AAP Image/Michael Dodge.

Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh has risked life and limb with a TV commentary moment where he was critical of Indian superstar 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.

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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

Unlucky, champ. #INDvsAUSpic.twitter.com/tQkeTFYjmI

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) February 9, 2023

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”, Mark Waugh on Virat Kohli, and he’s not looking up to the mark for slip fielding. Virat reflexes are very slow. #INDvsAUSpic.twitter.com/uQZkWSunHV

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) February 9, 2023

“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.”

Former cricketers and now Fox Cricket commentators Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh. AAP Image, Michael Dodge.

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.”

India's Virat Kohli had plenty to smile about on Day 1. Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP.

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.

Mark Waugh (fairly) critiquing Kohli’s slip fielding one of best commentary moments in a long long time - The home commentators had no idea how to handle anyone daring to find fault with the great man

— Dan Ginnane (@DanGinnane) February 9, 2023

This has to be the most uncomfortable commentary stint of the day , Ravi Shastri , Mark Waugh and DK

— Abhishek 🇦🇷 (@Abhi_Kohli123) February 9, 2023

The standards of commentary have fallen so low that Mark Waugh pointing out the most basic fact about Kohli not being good enough in slips is having fans excited at his bravery. Of course it helps it is coming from someone who was among the greatest slip fielders of all time.

— AdityaJ (@adityajoshipura) February 9, 2023

As it is Junior, he said it in his typical snarky style ;)

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) February 9, 2023

"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," says Mark Waugh while talking about Virat Kohli's issues at slips.

Brilliant to listen to one of the finest slip fielders. #INDvAUS

— Akshay Ramesh (@iamnotakshayr) February 9, 2023

#INDvAUS Mark Waugh risking life & limb by being critical of Carry-On Kohli

— PK “UNLEASH HELL” (@RodneyCityzen) February 9, 2023

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.

Waugh was also making headlines on Day 1 for a moment where he appeared to be called out during the live TV broadcast for a prediction that had previously blown up in his face.

Shastri reminded Waugh of his terribly wrong prediction Australia would defeat India 4-0 in the most recent 2020-21 series in Australia.

Originally published as Aussie cricket legend becomes public enemy No. 1 in India