Virat Kohli caught up in 'selfish' furore amid 'shameful' World Cup fallout

Virat Kohli has faced brutal backlash from his own fans, despite cracking a stunning century in India's fourth straight win at the Cricket World Cup. Kohli ended with an unbeaten 103 to help guide his side to a seven-wicket win against Bangladesh in another successful run chase for the tournament hosts.

Kohli smashed a six to reach his hundred and send the home fans wild as India secured the crushing win with 51 balls to spare. It was the 48th ODI century in an extraordinary career for Kohli, who now sits just one ton behind legendary compatriot Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record (49 ODI centuries).

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However, not all Indian fans were celebrating Kohli's latest century, with many accusing the superstar of being "selfish" for farming the strike and knocking back singles late in the innings. Kohli faced some eight dot balls in the final three overs of India's chase, having been set 3-261 by Bangladesh.

Following a discussion with batting partner KL Rahul - who made an unbeaten 34 - Kohli decided to dominate the strike as he hit 30 runs in the last 20 balls to race from 73 to 103 and complete his latest century. It meant that despite winning their fourth straight match, the Indians remain second behind New Zealand on net run rate, prompting many fans to vent their displeasure with Kohli.

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Speaking after the match, however, Rahul revealed that he might have been to blame for the backlash after encouraging Kohli to farm the strike and deny singles. "He (Virat) was confused actually, he said 'it would not look too nice to not take singles, it's still a World Cup, it's still a big stage and I don't want to look like I am trying to get the milestone'," KL Rahul told Star Sports.

"I said 'it's not won, but I mean we will still win this very easily. If you can get to the milestone, you must try'. And he did that in the end."

India hit back after bright start for Bangladesh

Bangladesh began the match brightly after winning the toss and deciding to bat but could not capitalise on a 93-run opening stand between Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan. The underdogs made 8-256 on a good batting pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, but it never quite looked like being enough against the mighty India.

It was a clinical effort by India's attack, considering they lost Hardik Pandya to injury in the first over after he twisted his ankle. Skipper Rohit Sharma led India's rapid reply and Kohli secured India's win with 51 balls to spare with his 97-ball ton.

Kuldeep Yadav drew first blood for India by trapping Tanzid lbw and India claimed three quick wickets to peg back Bangladesh. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Shanto for eight and had Das caught in the deep, with Rahul flying to his left to take a stunning one-handed catch to remove Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Jadeja pulled off an equally spectacular catch at backward point to cut short Mushfiqur Rahim's promising knock of 38 before Mahmudullah smashed a breezy 46 to help Bangladesh pass the 250-mark. Rohit (48) then dominated the powerplay overs just like he did in the last two matches to get India's chase off and running.

Shubman Gill (53) was initially content admiring the effortless shot-making of his captain before he joined the party by hitting Nasum Ahmed for two sixes in the same over.

Hasan Mahmud bounced out Rohit and Gill could not build on his half-century, holing out to Mahmudullah on the boundary.

It left Kohli to expertly take charge of the contest and help make it four wins from four for India, who next face New Zealand in a top-of-table showdown between the two undefeated teams.

"I'm sorry for stealing it for Jaddu (Jadeja)," said Kohli, after collecting the player of the match award. "I wanted to make a big contribution. Have made fifties in World Cups, I wanted to finish it off this time."

with AAP

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