Kohli and Bairstow were seen in multiple verbal arguments during Edgbaston Test.
Former England cricketer David Lloyd was happy to see the on-field scenes after the conclusion of the rescheduled fifth and final Test at Edgbaston. He was impressed with the Indian players’ warmth shown to England’s Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow after India lost the match by 7 wickets on July 5.
After the end of the match, Indian players were seen shaking hands with England players, and even Virat Kohli shook hands with Bairstow and patted his back for his century, which showed that it was the end of the on-field saga between the two at Edgbaston.
David Lloyd wrote in his column for The Daily Mail: “I thought the on-field scenes at the conclusion of the game were glorious, with India's players warmly congratulating Root and Jonny Bairstow and recognizing the epic job they had done.”
He added, “Special mention for Virat Kohli, who is the proudest and most combative India cricketer, and at times plays the pantomime villain, but who had a special word to both players. I like that.”
Speaking about Kohli's on-field fight with Bairstow, Lloyd said: “Having said that about Kohli, I do sometimes wonder where the line is and who draws it. Sportsmanship, banter, gamesmanship, boorish behavior, insults, abuse - we saw everything on the fourth day.”
He signed off by saying, “Of course, cricket is a non-contact sport and the trader is safe in the knowledge that he or she can't get hurt. But if a player feels the need to engage another, my advice is to take up cage fighting and have a proper go. Let's see what you're really made of.”