Kohli and Gavaskar got into a war of words over the batter criticizing experts for slamming his batting.
Kohli, dissatisfied with what 'those within the box' think of his batting, particularly the controversy about his strike rate and ability to play spin, lashed back at the experts, pundits, and analysts, only to be met with a response by none other than the great Gavaskar.
Gavaskar asked Kohli why he was bothered with ‘outside noise’ after claiming it doesn’t affect you. Gavaskar further added that the commentators have earned their right to question or pass verdicts of whatever they see.
Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan captain, has expressed his opinion on the topic. From one fantastic discussion about the differences between the other two, Akram sided with Gavaskar on this issue, noting that Kohli should have refrained from saying what he did since, at the end of the day, whether it is Gavaskar or any other pundit, they are there to perform their jobs.
"Both are greats. Sunny bhai, as a cricketer, as a human being, I know him off the field. As a commentator, he has been doing it for God knows how many years, probably for more than two and a half years. And coming to the great man, Virat Kohli, he is a top player, a modern great. He is an all-time great in history, given the kind of performances he has had. But "I think Virat shouldn't have said it," Akram told Sportskeeda.
Akram emphasized that commentators, like Gavaskar, are essential to the cricket ecosystem, providing significant views and analysis based on years of experience in the sport.
"It is the commentators' job. If he got slow in a couple of matches and he [Gavaskar] said something, forget about it. Virat is not that kind of a person. Both are proud Indians; both are greats. It's OK; they both will move on pretty quickly. Don't think either will take it personally. They will be fine, I know. I am telling you now. I know them both very well," Akram added.