Virat Kohli, former captain of the Indian cricket team, recently faced criticism after being caught dining and chatting with teammates during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final. In response to the memes and public opinions, Kohli shared a quote on his Instagram story, indicating that he is unaffected by others’ judgments.
During the WTC final, as India found themselves in a challenging position at 30/2, Kohli stepped onto the pitch. However, his innings was short-lived, contributing only 14 runs before being dismissed. While Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane worked to build a strong partnership on the field, the camera briefly shifted to the Indian dressing room, capturing a moment where Kohli was engaged in conversation with Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and batting coach Vikram Rathour, while enjoying a meal.
The sight of Kohli seemingly relaxed and enjoying a conversation drew frustration from fans, who directed their anger towards the former captain. Comparisons were made with Sachin Tendulkar, who was believed to have refrained from eating for three days after failing to score in the WTC 2003 final.
Known for his ability to respond to criticism, Kohli took to Instagram to share a quote by American author Mark Manson, seemingly aimed at his detractors. The quote read, “You must develop the ability to be disliked in order to free yourself from the prison of other people’s opinions,” providing insight into Kohli’s mindset amidst the criticism.
It remains uncertain if Kohli intended the quote as a direct response to those mocking him. Currently, no official statement has been released by the cricketer himself, considered one of the greatest of all time.
Anushka Sharma, Kohli’s wife, also shared a quote on her Instagram story, adding a philosophical touch to the situation. The quote she shared stated, “Perhaps freedom is to let go of the belief that life has to be a certain way,” indicating a broader perspective on acceptance and personal growth.
While Kohli faced an early dismissal in the WTC final, along with Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Shubman Gill, it was Rahane and Jadeja who displayed resilience on the field. Rahane emerged as a pivotal player for India on the third day of the match, forming crucial partnerships to stabilize the innings. With Srikar Bharat now by his side, Rahane aims to provide further support and stability to India’s batting lineup.
Virat Kohli’s cryptic Instagram story serves as a response to the memes and criticism surrounding his actions during the WTC final. By sharing a thought-provoking quote, Kohli emphasizes the importance of freeing oneself from the opinions of others. As the match progresses, India looks to Rahane and the rest of the team to stage a comeback and achieve success.