The intense media scrutiny surrounding Virat Kohli has sparked widespread debate, with former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer speaking out against the harsh treatment Kohli received.

Kohli, who arrived in Perth for what might be his final tour of Australia, was initially hailed by the media.

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However, a later incident in Melbourne, involving an on-field altercation with Australian cricketer Sam Konstas, led to Kohli being labeled a “crybaby” by the press. The Australian newspaper The West Australian went so far as to use the headline “Clown Kohli”. 

What does Justin Langer think about the media’s treatment of Virat Kohli?

Langer, who has faced similar media challenges during his career, believes that the media’s treatment of Kohli isn’t about the Indian cricket team or the player himself—it’s about creating sensational headlines.

Langer said, “This isn’t an Australia vs India media; it is ‘The Media’ and they are brutal. It is exactly what they want – that we are now talking about that headline in India – a country with billions following cricket.”

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Langer also shared his thoughts on the broader issue at play. “I would say that in cricket, no player should engage in contact, we are not playing a physical game. On the cricket field, boys will be boys – players will be players,” 

The former coach further pointed out that the media’s coverage was not targeted solely at Kohli or the Indian team. 

“It is not about Virat Kohli or the Indian cricket team – I promise you. From personal experience, not that long ago, and I am a red-blooded Australian, I played for my country, coached for my country, and I faced the mop of the [Aussie] media as well,” Langer said. 

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How did the Media affect Justin Langer during his tenure as Coach?

Langer’s tenure as Australia’s head coach was marked by intense media scrutiny, particularly after the team’s loss to India in 2021. Behind closed doors, the intense coaching style Langer employed became a point of contention.

Players reportedly felt that Langer’s approach was too harsh and micro-managing, which led to a growing divide.

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In late 2022, Langer expressed his frustration about the situation, criticizing unnamed players for leaking information to the media and calling them “cowards.” He felt that these leaks hurt the team’s morale, especially when they were made anonymously.

The media played a significant role in the events that led to Langer’s resignation. Reports of player dissatisfaction and leaks to the press put immense pressure on him, and the resulting public criticism took a toll on his personal and professional life.

Despite leading Australia to victory in high-stakes tournaments, the media focused on the negative aspects of his coaching.

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