Disgusting! Fans abuse Aussie bowler for taking Virat Kohli’s wicket in Adelaide

Getting Virat Kohli out in an international match is a dream moment for any bowler, but in the age of social media, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett found this out the hard way after dismissing Kohli for a duck in the second ODI against India at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

The 26-year-old trapped Kohli leg-before for a duck, marking the Indian superstar’s second consecutive scoreless innings in the series and a rare occurrence in his illustrious ODI career. Australia managed a tense two-wicket victory to seal the three-match series. However, Bartlett’s achievement was overshadowed online, where sections of Kohli’s passionate and sometimes polarised fanbase targeted the young pacer with abusive comments on his social media.

Bartlett, who has over 22,000 Instagram followers, had been inactive since August 1. His latest post, featuring a photo with Kohli from the IPL, has since been flooded with more than 4,500 comments, many of which were mocking or offensive. The incident highlights a troubling trend in modern sports culture, where social media enables personal attacks that have nothing to do with the sport.

Speaking after the match, Bartlett remained humble and respectful of Kohli’s stature. “He’s probably one of the best white-ball players of all time,” Bartlett told Fox Cricket. “I was lucky to get him out. I bowled an outswinger that nipped back a bit. Maybe a little luck, but it was nice to see him back in the pavilion early.”

Kohli’s consecutive ducks are a first in his long ODI career and only the second time he has recorded a duck on Australian soil. Despite criticism online, both Kohli and Bartlett were simply performing their roles, representing their countries with professionalism. This incident serves as a reminder that cricket is a sport, and social media should not be a platform for personal abuse. Fans can passionately support their heroes without crossing the line into harassment.
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