For any bowler, dismissing cricket icon Virat Kohli in an international match is a moment to cherish. However, in today’s hyper-connected world of social media, such a glorious achievement can quickly turn into a harrowing experience. Young Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett recently learned this harsh lesson firsthand.
Bartlett managed to trap Kohli leg-before for a duck during the second One-Day International between India and Australia at Adelaide Oval. This marked a rare consecutive scoreless inning for the Indian superstar in the series and was an infrequent occurrence in his illustrious ODI career. While Australia ultimately secured a tense two-wicket victory to seal the three-match series, Bartlett’s standout performance soon took a dark turn online.
Following the match, various segments of Kohli’s passionate, and at times overly zealous, fanbase targeted Bartlett with a barrage of abusive and mocking comments across his social media platforms. Bartlett, with over 22,000 Instagram followers, had been inactive on the platform since August 1st. His most recent post, a photo with Kohli from the Indian Premier League, was inundated with over 4,500 offensive remarks. This incident starkly highlights a concerning trend in contemporary sports culture, where social media facilitates personal attacks that completely undermine the spirit of sportsmanship.
Despite facing such unwarranted online hostility, Bartlett remained humble and respectful when speaking about Kohli’s immense stature in the sport. “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 represent a unique statistical anomaly in his long and decorated ODI career, and it was only the second time he had been dismissed for a duck on Australian soil. Regardless of the intense online scrutiny and criticism, both Kohli and Bartlett were simply fulfilling their professional duties, representing their nations with dedication.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that cricket, at its heart, is a gentleman’s game built on respect and fair competition. Social media platforms should never be venues for personal abuse or harassment. True fans are encouraged to support their sporting heroes with unwavering passion, but it is crucial to do so within the boundaries of mutual respect and uphold the fundamental principles of sportsmanship.