Star India batter Virat Kohli has been phenomenal throughout the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. He is the highest run-scorer in the ongoing tournament, with 594 runs in nine innings at an average of 99.00. In the ongoing tournament, he has scored two centuries, including one against South Africa. The tonne against South Africa was special for him as he levelled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries.
Kohli received a lot of praise from cricket fans and experts. However, Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis has refused to congratulate Kohli. In a pre-match press conference, a reporter asked Mendis about Kohli’s 49th century and asked if he wanted to congratulate him. In response, Mendis said, “Why would I congratulate him?” His reaction shocked everyone, as he received a lot of criticism over it.
Meanwhile, almost a week after the incident, Mendis explained his comments and said that he was unaware of Kohli’s 49th ODI century. He said, “I wasn’t aware that Virat Kohli scored his 49th ODI century. The journalist suddenly asked the question. I didn’t understand the question. Scoring 49 hundred is not easy. What I said was wrong; I’m feeling for it”.
What’s the future of Sri Lanka cricket after the ban?
It’s worth noting that Sri Lankan cricket is currently going through a crisis. The South Asian Cricket Board has been banned by the Apex Cricket Council after the government sacked all board members. The decision came after Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup. The team lost seven out of nine games and finished ninth in the points table. They also failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy in 2025.
The series of poor performances triggered the ruling government to make a decision. Things became worse when India thrashed Sri Lanka by 302 runs in their seventh league game. After the humiliating defeat, the entire board was sacked by the government. However, the final list of conditions has not been released for Sri Lanka, which means the Apex Cricket Council might rethink their extreme decision.
Here is how fans react to Kusal Mendis’ comments:
Software update of mendis and his pakistani sons pic.twitter.com/aXvqbawkVB
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) November 12, 2023
It Is Not Easy ? pic.twitter.com/m5El0ABz1R
— Adheera (@adheeraeditz) November 12, 2023
I don't blame Kusal Mendis for what happened at PC.
It was Sri Lanka Match Press Conference and he was looking for questions related to that, sometimes it becomes iritating when you drag India everywhere coz it is World Cup not India's domestic trophy.
I stand with Mendis??
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 12, 2023
King is all set for his 50th century today??.
Record creator ? pic.twitter.com/cw8jZoEzAZ— White knight ? (@santhoshtiger14) November 12, 2023
That's why he said “why would I congratulate him” ?
— Waqas Jarh (@WaqasJrh) November 12, 2023
Software updated pic.twitter.com/uWj0fU6OKn
— ????? ? ? (@Zimbu12_) November 12, 2023
Anger is in his veins. 50th century today pic.twitter.com/dMeh2YdlbF
— ? + ?? (@Sixty9IQ) November 12, 2023
I also thought so he didn't understand the question at that time.
— Zoya Khan (@SweetZzoya) November 12, 2023
Kushal Mendis knew everything
Now trying to cover up#SriLankaCricket— MRS. RAJALAXMI (@MrsRajalaxmi) November 12, 2023
