News by “Sana Ullah”
Kohli’s Apology Came Years After the Incident, Claims Elgar
Former South African skipper Dean Elgar has revealed a surprising and heated encounter with ex-Indian captain Virat Kohli during a Test series in 2015. Elgar alleges that Kohli “spat” on him during the first Test at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, part of South Africa’s tour of India.
In a recent appearance on the “Banter, with The Boys” podcast, Elgar recounted the incident, stating, “I said to him if you do that, I’ll hit you with this bat.” Elgar added that Kohli responded with expletives but later apologized when they crossed paths years later during India’s tour of South Africa in 2017-18.
According to Elgar, Kohli’s apology came two to three years after the incident, during which the Indian captain approached him to make amends. The apology took place over drinks, with Elgar noting that this was during a period when Kohli consumed alcohol.
Despite the altercation, the retired Proteas player acknowledged the mutual respect between them in subsequent encounters.
Elgar, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, played his final Test at Newlands in Cape Town, leading the side in the absence of Temba Bavuma.
In a touching moment during Elgar’s farewell series in January, Kohli and the Indian team displayed sportsmanship by embracing the retiring South African player and presenting him with a signed jersey. The series concluded in a 1-1 draw after India won the second Test.
The revelation of the past confrontation adds complexity to the relationship between Elgar and Kohli, with the latter’s subsequent apology demonstrating maturity and reconciliation. The incident, now public, adds an intriguing chapter to the history of encounters between these cricketing personalities.
