Virat Kohli Voted 'Biggest Sports Jerk of the Week' in Australian Media Poll

Virat Kohli succeeded Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India's permanent Test captain. The dashing batsmen, who shoots as much from his mouth as he hits with the bat, however has also risen to become Australia's most hated sportsperson in the last week. In fact, news.com.au is carrying a poll titled 'Who is the biggest sports jerk of the week?' and Kohli is leading by almost a mile. (Also read: Aussies plan to pin Kohli down with 'boring' cricket)

Kohli, who accused Australian fielders of calling him a spoilt brat and of constantly sledging him during the Melbourne Test, has had constant verbal duels on the pitch. "I know the Australians do not respect me and I like that because it helps me play better," he had said previously. Not surprisingly then, the lack of respect is amply clear as Kohli has garnered 55.9% votes in the poll to find the week's biggest sports jerk. (Also read: Virat Kohli sledging in Australia not a concern, says BCCI)

The poll on the Australian news website.

Out of 619 votes cast at the time of publishing this report, Kohli had the dubious distinction of getting 346. This was followed by 128 votes for Nasser Al-Shamrani -- the Saudi footballer, who shoved a fan during a warm-up session. The options also included Ndamukong Suh, who has 82 votes after the NFL star stomped his feet on an opponent, and Chelsea footballer Gary Cahill, who got 51 votes for kicking Tottenham's Harry Kane. (Related: Virat Kohli's aggression can be counter-productive for India, says Gavaskar)

Kohli has grabbed headlines with his on-field squabbles with Aussie players in the current Test series. While leading India in the first Test at Adelaide, he was fined for poor conduct. Kohli's run-ins with Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin marred the third Test at Melbourne. Kohli complained that the Aussie called him a "spoilt brat." The 26-year-old Indian batting star said the Aussies loved to hate him and he had "no respect" for Johnson. (Read more here)