Team India were completely outplayed on the final day as England crushed India by 7 wickers.
Joe Root slammed his 11th Test century since 2021 while Bairstow hit his second of the match as England cruised to an easy win.
The successful chase of 378 is also the highest they have chased ever in Test cricket.
While this is bad news for Indian fans, they were quick to vent their anger on former captain, Virat Kohli.
What did Kohli do?
Kohli is known for his on-field aggression and sledging.
This time, his target was Jonny Bairstow.
As Bairstow walked off after scoring a fighting 106 in the first innings, cameras caught Kohli blowing him a kiss.
Earlier, on day two of the Test when Bairstow was struggling against the Indian pacers, Kohli was heard saying, “A bit faster than Southee, eh?”
In between, Kohli was seen putting his finger on his mouth and gesturing Bairstow to get back to batting, with words like “shut up, just stand and bat” coming in the 33rd over.
Bairstow is a feisty character and used Kohli’s insults to boost himself up.
He got fired up by the altercation and went on to score 106 off 140 balls.
Bairstow’s century helped England to 284, which looked unlikely at one point.
Many Twitter users felt that had Kohli not poked Bairstow, India could have won the match and clinched the series.
Netizens slam Kohli
Sample some of these reactions!
“Not happy saying this but Kohli needs to sit out. We cannot go into a test match with 1 batsman who really doesn’t contribute and barks no end. Get a young kid is eager to prove himself.
“Kohli should focus more on batting that his antics. right now he doesn’t deserve chance in Indian cricket team.”
English broadcaster and television personality Piers Morgan took to social media and posted an image of Kohli blowing a kiss towards Bairstow as the England batter made his way to the dressing room.
“Kohli has a brass neck blowing mocking kisses at a bloke who’s scored three more Test hundreds in the past month than he has in the past 2.5 years,” tweeted Morgan.
Another critic said, “Few players more insufferable in test cricket than Virat Kohli. Blowing kisses at Bairstow who’s scored more centuries today than Kohli has in about three years. Focus on your own game. #ENGvsIND.”
Another fan felt Kohli`s celebrations were ‘pathetic’.
“Virat Kohli’s celebration there is embarrassing and pathetic. I’d be having a word personally, don’t like it. It’s excessive and over the top for no reason #ENGvIND.”
This is very unfortunate and we hope Kohli lets his bat speak rather than tongue, in the future.
