Virat Kohli Controversy: Ravichandran Ashwin Spins Away; Respect Privacy, Says Laxman

The fiery temper of Virat Kohli continues to dominate media talks in the Cricket World Cup 2015. Kohli's image has taken a beating after he was heard furiously abusing a senior Indian journalist during a training session in Perth on Tuesday. In a press conference on Thursday, India's lead spinner Ravichandran Ashwin chose to stay clear of the row. (Virat Kohli Faces Media Backlash)

Kohli, who usually spots the loose balls quite easily and spanks them for sizzling boundaries, this time made a serious blunder. The Indian Test captain rebuked the wrong reporter for a story on girl-friend Anushka Sharma filed almost six months ago. Kohli had reportedly shared the same hotel with Anushka in Nottingham flouting Board directives during the Test series against England. (Kohli in Trouble After Scribe Reports Boorish Behaviour to ICC)

On Wednesday, the Indian team management chose to play down the incident. A one-line press statement said Kohli didn't use abusive language and he had apologised to the concerned reporter. Journalists covering the Indian team are surprised at the blatant "lie". The newspaper concerned has even reported the incident to the ICC and Indian Board.

The absence of a professional media manager who can handle adverse situations is once again very clear. Two wrongs don't make a right and BCCI has been seen in poor light again as far as media management is concerned. Ashwin, one of the few good speakers who can handle the media, steered clear of the Kohli controversy. In fact, he lectured the media on what it should be doing. (Kohli Needs a Bit of Maturity, Says Steve Waugh)

"Honestly, I do not know what happened. It's definitely not in my jurisdiction. I do not know what's happened. I'm very honest about it. I do not know what's happened," Ashwin said.

Ashwin then lectured the media about its role. ('Team India Like Bollywood Stars')

"Media here are here to support us. It's very heartening to see the media turn up in so many huge numbers and try to support us. But I mean, this is my take on it. I think the media has a responsible way of taking cricket back home in a responsible fashion, taking cricket to the public in the way it needs to be taken.

"There are times when I'm not happy with that, but that's my opinion. But there are other times when you support the players and it's very important to take the game forward," said Ashwin.

"Kohli must know he is a role model and must learn to keep his emotions under control. Especially during the World Cup. He should be careful in the public place," said VVS Laxman, adding that the matter should be put to rest to let Kohli concentrate on his cricket.

Laxman added that media should not intrude into a player's private space. "Media should not be reporting on Anushka Sharma," he said.

Brian Lara feels the same. "I have had my run-ins with the media but they have the pen and can write. This incident can make Virat more determined to play better. Personally, I want Virat to get a bit distracted because West Indies have to win the match versus India."

Steve Waugh also feels Kohli needs to show more maturity at a time when his career is blossoming.

Is Kohli listening?