‘We Can Discuss It Man to Man,’ Virat on Rabada’s Criticism

Indian skipper Virat Kohli chose to not react to Kagiso Rabada’s recent criticism of him.

(Photo: AP)

India captain Virat Kohli says he hasn't heard any criticism directed at him by South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada, and he wouldn't use a news conference as a forum to air it anyway.

On the eve of India's tournament-opening match against South Africa, Kohli was asked about comments reportedly from Rabada that described him as immature.

"What did he say?" Kohli asked. When given the general sentiment, Kohli responded by saying: "I've played against him so many times. If anything needs to be discussed, we can discuss it man to man."

They'll get the chance on Wednesday when Kohli leads No. 2-ranked India and Rabada leads an injury-depleted South Africa bowling attack in Southampton.

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has described Indian captain Virat Kohli as "immature" and someone who cannot take abuses, while talking about a face-off between the duo in an IPL match.

Rabada and Kohli had a verbal exchange during one of the IPL matches between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli is the captain of RCB while Rabada plays for DC.

Asked about that particular face-off with Kohli in the IPL match, Rabada said, "I was just thinking about the game plan, really, but Virat, he hit me for a boundary and then he had a word. And then when you give it back to him, he gets angry.

"I don't get the guy. Maybe he does it because it gets him going, but that comes across as very immature for me. He is a phenomenal player but he can't take the abuse," Rabada was quoted as saying by 'The Cricket Monthly' from ESPNcricinfo.

Rabada said Kohli always seemed to be angry on the field.

"... But later that evening, on the bus back to the hotel, I asked myself: 'That guy (Kohli) always seems to be angry on the field. Is he really angry?' Then I thought to myself what it would take for me to become really, really angry.

"That is going to happen very few and far times in between. And becoming angry like that - is that what gets him to play well? Do you know what I am saying? I can't psyche myself to be angry."