Anushka has helped me stay in good space mentally: Virat

Anushka has helped me stay in good space mentally: Virat

LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI

Calcutta: On the field, Virat Kohli is known to give it back better than what is dished out to him.

If there's a doubt, ask the Australians.

But, now, India's Test captain is letting it rip far from the 22 yards as well.

Friday saw Virat step out and tear into those who'd blamed lady love Anushka Sharma for his inability to score big in the World Cup semi-final.

India's best batsman in the 2000s, Virat managed 1 as defending champions India lost to eventual winners Australia by 95 runs.

"It's shameful when people disrespect fellow human beings, especially a lady. As can well be imagined, Anushka has been very hurt (by attacks in the social media)...

"People have targeted Anushka for that failure of mine, but did they give her credit for my successes? Should their response not be fair? Surely, that's not asking for too much...

"In fact, I'd like to tell the world that I've been able to perform for India because Anushka has helped me stay in good space mentally...

"I'm thankful to Anushka for being a source of strength and for allowing me to take my mind off cricket when I need to," Virat, who captains the Vijay Mallya-owned Royal Challengers Bangalore, told The Telegraph.

Those who went after Anushka forgot that, barring the odd innings, Virat had been outstanding in Australia.

In the four-Test series, for example, Virat totalled 692 runs at an awesome average of 86.50. The runs included four hundreds.

Not that Virat, the ODI and T20 vice-captain, didn't have a contribution to make in the World Cup - 305 runs at a very good average of 50.83, with a best of 107 (against Pakistan).

Speaking at the Eden, ahead of the match-eve practice session, Virat added: "People must understand that besides her own sentiments and feelings, Anushka has a family...

"Generally, most watch television and also read newspapers. It's only natural, then, that they'd get hurt...

"Bottom line is that Anushka came to Sydney to watch a match, which just happened to be a semi-final of the World Cup...

"As an individual, didn't she enjoy the right to do so?"

What's admirable about the 26-year-old Virat is that he's upfront about everything, be it cricket or personal.

Back in November, shortly before Team India's departure for Australia, Virat boldly declared that neither he nor Anushka had "anything to hide."

Such candour is rare in our part of the world.

Indeed, Virat and Anushka move about openly with the latter not taking to a disguise and Virat not trying to hide behind an oversized cap.

In return, Virat is seeking private space that he is entitled to despite being a public figure. Ditto for Anushka.

Virat is convinced that's not a big ask.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/1150411/jsp/sports/story_14017.jsp#.VShYEizzHOA

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He seems very hurt. I don't remember him ever mentioning Anushka's name in any of his interviews before this. Now he has done an interview just to defend her 👏 He didn't keep quiet and let Anushka take all the heat by herself. He has taken it on himself to defend her 👍🏼 BW guys can learn a thing or two from him.

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos

If abusing innocent journalists is being in "good space mentally", then he's probably mentally sick normally.

Originally posted by: dietcoke1

If a legend like VVS laxman can defend him for that episode then who are you ...Laxman said Virat didn't get angry at the journalist coz of his bad performance in England...it was coz the media got 'personal'. He said anushka is family for Virat n that media should stick to cricket. The same thing happened after the semi final loss.

If people had not involved his personal life, I'm prity sure his reaction would have been much better but people disrespected his loves ones which is something no one will tolerate whether u r a normal person or famous. He has shown alot of character, much more than his age, for coming out and defending his personal life n a girl who he isn't even married to yet, without worrying about the repercussions.

I agree with what he says about Anushka.. We have some messed-up-logics which needs to be addressed immediately.. It's not funny anymore the way jokes were floating around twitter and facebook .. Why can't we just accept like mature adults that it was not just our day.. Like seriously sometimes our logics give me creeps ! 👎🏼

Originally posted by: dietcoke1

If a legend like VVS laxman can defend him for that episode then who are you ...Laxman said Virat didn't get angry at the journalist coz of his bad performance in England...it was coz the media got 'personal'. He said anushka is family for Virat n that media should stick to cricket. The same thing happened after the semi final loss.

If people had not involved his personal life, I'm prity sure his reaction would have been much better but people disrespected his loves ones which is something no one will tolerate whether u r a normal person or famous. He has shown alot of character, much more than his age, for coming out and defending his personal life n a girl who he isn't even married to yet, without worrying about the repercussions.

Along with Laxman, Ganguly also defended him and Anushka after the world cup loss. Aussie, Dean Jones has also come out and supported him. Barring one or two reporters, most media outlets are applauding him for the way he has come out and defended her. He is a very private person. Like I said, he never mentioned Anushka's name in any of his interviews until today. Its a big thing for him to do an interview like this about his girlfriend. Whatever you may feel abt his so called aggressive behavior on the field, you gotta admit he is a fantastic, caring boyfriend. 👏

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos

yada yada yada.

The point is he abused an innocent person and didn't even have the heart to apologize.

Good for Virat!...he speaks from his heart!...I like him for how he is standing up for Anushka!...😳

Originally posted by: dietcoke1

haha you don't have any reply.😆 Seems like you're not the type to care or fight for your loves ones thats why you can't understand virat's situation. it takes a real man and courage to do this...it's not for the faint hearted

Originally posted by: Pehchaan.Kaun

I agree with what he says about Anushka.. We have some messed-up-logics which needs to be addressed immediately.. It's not funny anymore the way jokes were floating around twitter and facebook .. Why can't we just accept like mature adults that it was not just our day.. Like seriously sometimes our logics give me creeps ! 👎🏼

Didn't you hear that he broke hearts of billion people who had pinned their hopes on him? He was to save team india. Although its a team sport, he is the one who got all the blame. We lost because entire team under performed. Period. Rahane scored less runs than him in WC. I don't see anyone bashing him. In fact people think he'd be captain because he is calm 😆 Being calm doesn't make you a great captain automatically. But that's how some people think

People didn't even understand why he was pointing out the fact that he has won more matches for team india last five years. They are calling him arrogant, He was trying to point out that his contributions to the team were being reduced to nothing due to one failure. I saw nothing wrong in what he said and he certainly didn't put down any of his team mates, He looked far from arrogant when he said that. If people took the time to watch the 2 min clip, they'd see that. But they'd rather read a quote and bash him. The point is, you can not expect people to give someone a benefit of doubt because they have already decided he is self absorbed and arrogant.

All i gotta say is bravo Virat for speaking up for Anushka. It takes a brave heart to do something like this. 👏