Virat Kohli can’t tolerate the bullying of his teammates: Monty Panesar

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar reckoned that England head coach Chris Silverwood played a massive part in the heated altercations that took place during the Lord’s Test. Panesar said that it was Silverwood, who had the idea of the English pacers going after the Indian tail-enders, especially Jasprit Bumrah as the latter had hurled a barrage of bouncers at James Anderson.

However, Panesar also said that by trying to bully Bumrah and others, the Brits had irked Indian skipper Virat Kohli. The veteran said that Kohli is unforgiving and won’t die wondering if his teammates are being bullied.

Panesar didn’t mince any words in saying that the home team was intimidated by Kohli and Co. He put forth his views during an exclusive interview with The Times of India.

Kohli will support his team in every way, says Monty Panesar

“I am sure it all came from England coach Chris Silverwood. India were like, ‘okay you are after one of our guys, we all will be after you now’ India’s tactic really worked in their favour.

“England thought that they would bully the Indian team. But they weren’t aware of what kind of character Virat Kohli is. He was observing everything and then came back hard on England. He is a guy who never forgives,” Panesar said.

“He will support his team in every way no matter what. Virat can’t tolerate the bullying of his teammates. England started but it backfired and all credit goes to Virat. England were intimidated by the Indian team.”

In India’s second innings, Ollie Robinson pinned Rishabh Pant early to put the hosts on the driver’s seat. However, Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s 89-run stand for the ninth wicket helped India make a recovery. The duo had gotten a standing ovation once they returned after batting.

“On Day 5, when they got Rishabh Pant out, they thought they would get Shami and Bumrah cheaply too. But everything backfired for England. You just can’t mess with India. Virat can’t take bullying,” he added.

India won the second Test by 151 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The third Test is scheduled to get underway on August 25 at Headingley in Leeds.