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'No guts': Virat Kohli slammed over baffling World Cup snub

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Virat Kohli (pictured) leading his team off the field after losing the T20 World Cup match against New Zealand.
Virat Kohli (pictured) has drawn criticism from Indian fans after skipping the post-match press conference after his team's loss to New Zealand at the T20 World Cup. (Getty Images)

Virat Kohli has come under fire for not turning up to India's post-match press conference after suffering a humbling defeat to New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.

India Trent Boult took three wickets and player of the match Ish Sodhi two as the Black Caps restricted the 2007 champions to just 7-110 during the opening innings of the Super 12s match in Dubai.

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Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten 26 gave India faint hope of keeping their last-four aspirations in their own hands but New Zealand made light work of the modest total, wrapping up victory with 33 balls to spare.

Daryl Mitchell fell one short of a half-century for the Kiwis, while captain Kane Williamson posted 33 not out, including the decisive run.

Kohli spoke to a reporter immediately after the match and admitted India were not as 'brave' as they needed to be against New Zealand.

However, fans took aim at the Indian captain after he opted to skip the traditional post-match press conference and instead sent bowler Jasprit Bumrah to face the media.

While this isn't totally unusual, New Zealand also sent Ish Sodhi instead of captain Kane Williamson, fans were left fuming Kohli didn't front the media after a devastating loss.

Despite his decision not to front the media, Kohli didn't shoulder all the blame.

Former Indian star Virender Sehwag was critical of the team's body language and tactics during the heavy defeat.

Virat Kohli reflects on India loss

While Kohli skipped the post-match press conference, he did speak to a reporter on the field.

And the premier batter pinpointed the area he thinks India need to improve to advance to the semi-final.

“There’s only one way to play in T20 cricket, you have to be optimistic, you have to be positive, take calculated risks and that’s what this format’s about,” Kohli said.

“Just because you’re the Indian cricket team and there’s expectations doesn’t mean you start playing for the format differently.

Virat Kohli (pictured) in an interview after India lost to New Zealand in the T20 World Cup in Dubai.
Virat Kohli (pictured right) speaks after India lost to New Zealand in the T20 World Cup in Dubai. (Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

"I think we have to disconnect from that a little bit and back ourselves out there and take pride in performing for the team. As long as individuals are looking to do that, I think we’ll be fine.

“There’s a lot of cricket to play in this tournament and something we must all look forward to and certainly the team must look forward to and go out there with a positive mind.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Williamson was thrilled with the victory.

"A fantastic all-round performance from us against a formidable India side," Williamson said.

"We were able to build pressure throughout and the way the openers came out really set the platform."

Both sides came into the crunch contest with work to do having each suffered defeats to Group Two leaders Pakistan in their respective opening matches of the tournament.

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