‘I wasn’t sledging..’: Mark Waugh clarifies his on-air assertion on Virat Kohli

Through the first two assessments of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023, Mark Waugh stirred up an issue as he indulged in a verbal spat with fellow commentators Ravi Shashtri and Dinesh Karthik. It’s believed that following the on-air dispute, the Board of Cricket Management in India (BCCI) determined to not prolong Waugh’s contract for the remaining two Assessments and changed him with Mitchell Johnson.

Notably, within the first two matches, Waugh was very crucial of Virat Kohli’s slip fielding because the India maestro dropped a number of catches throughout these video games.

Within the opening match of the BGT 2023, the previous India captain didn’t seize an opportunity to dismiss Steve Smith within the first innings after which went on to place down the likes of David Warner and Peter Handscomb within the second innings. Waugh didn’t appear to love Kohli’s strategy and criticized the latter closely.

“Fielding at slip off the spinners, you bought to evaluate the depth you need to stand. I felt that the catch that Kohli put down, he was rushed into taking the catch. I believe there are a number of technical issues that Kohli can work on. I believe his ft are too broad aside. His weight is commonly on the again of heels relatively than on his ft. Generally, he seems like he isn’t anticipating the ball. He has received to expect the ball each single supply,” mentioned Waugh whereas commentating.

Followers weren’t thrilled in regards to the remarks made by the veteran Aussie cricketer, which resulted in an enormous backlash from cricket lovers. Nonetheless, the 57-year-old former opener has now clarified that he wasn’t concentrating on Kohli for his batting however relatively his catching in slips.

Waugh additional admitted that he’s shocked by the truth that Kohli hasn’t scored a century in 39 innings, however on the similar time, he additionally appreciated the 34-year-old batter’s 44-run knock in Delhi.

“I wasn’t sledging his batting. I used to be sledging his catching, which he did enhance really. He labored laborious on it. However I can’t imagine that Virat Kohli hasn’t scored a century in 39 innings, The way in which he has batted and even his catching it reveals that he has felt the strain, little doubt about it. He is a superb participant so he isn’t used to not scoring runs however I did really feel like that in Delhi he was getting again to his greatest,” mentioned Waugh on Fox Cricket.