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'What a flog': Aussie legend lashes out at Kohli

Indian captain Virat Kohli isn't particularly popular outside the subcontinent at the moment, especially with Aussie great Merv Hughes.

Kohli laid bare the bitter divide between his team and Australia, declaring he will never be friends with any member of the opposition involved in an incredibly heated four-Test series.

Kohli fronted the press despite playing no part in the high-stakes clash because of his shoulder injury.

The firebrand paid tribute to Australia's "relentlessness" and skill, but was scathing of their character.

Kohli claimed prior to the first Test he was "really good friends with all these guys off the field". On Tuesday, he confirmed that is no longer the case and never will be.

"That has certainly changed and you won't hear me say that ever again," Kohli said.

Steve Smith shakes hands with Kohli. Image: Twitter
Steve Smith shakes hands with Kohli. Image: Twitter

Hughes on Wednesday admitted it was the final straw.

"I've stuck up for Virat Kohli to a point saying he was passionate and flying the Indian flag, but I'm a little disappointed with after the series where he said friendships have been lost and if the reports are true, refused to go to the Australian dressing room for a beer," he said on SEN Radio.

"I played in the same manner and no matter what happened out there, you could shake hands and have a beer but it seems to have carried over which is disappointing."

Hughes and Peter Siddle. Image: Getty
Hughes and Peter Siddle. Image: Getty

"He's a great player and he's probably a bloke you would love to have on your side, but watching it from afar and watching him in other colours, you just think, 'What a flog.'"

Hughes also said both sides were probably better off with Kohli injured for the final Test.

"If he's talking about the Australians playing it hard, it is a bit hypocritical for me because he turned his game around and played that way especially in that second Test and then going into the third Test," he said.

"It probably wasn't a bad thing he was injured because he may have gone over the top."

with AAP