No idea what happened between Virat and Stokes: Jonny Bairstow

English wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow took a very defensive stand while talking about the Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes incident. In the press meet after the match, Bairstow reflected back at the incident and spoke about it at length. He said that he could not really figure out what happened between the two players. He further reflected back on the verbal exchanges that are common in the game of cricket now.

The incident transpired during the English innings on day 1 of the Mohali Test. Ben Stokes was stumped by Parthiv Patel off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja. Indian skipper Virat Kohli apparently had a word or two with the Englishman as he was walking back to the pavilion. Stokes had his words to say as well. The umpire Marais Erasmus had a word with the players and settled the issue.

Talking about the incident, Jonny Bairstow had a dodgy stance. He said that he could not pick up what was said and exchanged between the two players. The noise at the stadium did not let him catch the words.

“It depends on what context was it said. I actually didn’t hear anything to be very honest with you with a lot of squealing people in the crowd and screaming. The exact words that were said, I wouldn’t be able to put my finger on. It’s something that’s probably going more out of the game,” quoted the English wicket-keeper.

Also Watch: Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli involve in a verbal spat

He, however, said that the passion comes naturally when people represent their country. Such exchanges happen in the heat of the moment.

“Verbals and things like that if you go back ten years, it was a bigger part of the game and there has been a lot of clampdown. At the same time, you also got to respect the fact that you have got guys out there who are very passionate, representing the country in the heat of the battle and at some point there are going to be words said that’s the nature of professional sport,” mentioned Jonny Bairstow.

He further reiterated that he had not picked up the discussion between Kohli and Stokes at all. “We are adults and that’s something that comes with or against playing sport and I am sure there have been some hiccups. But I don’t know what was said as I don’t get involved with all that stuff,” he conceded.

There was another man who stood in the vicinity of both players when the incident took place. Indian Umesh Yadav was nearby too. He also mentioned that he could not decipher what the discussion was about.

“Seriously, I don’t have an idea as to what happened as I was not there. I don’t know what the umpire said to Virat and Stokes. No idea, what the communication was,” quoted Umesh Yadav.