Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has come out in support of underfire Indian captain Virat Kohli, who has been on the receiving end of online abuse after he lashed out at the trolls who were abusing India fast bowler Mohammad Shami following the defeat against Pakistan.
Gandhi took to Twitter, and wrote, "Dear Virat, These people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them. Protect the team."
Earlier on Tuesday (November 2), the Delhi Commission for Women sent a notice to Delhi Police asking for "action taken" updates on the probe into the alleged shameful rape threats against Kohli's daughter Vamika who was born in January this year.
Kohli had told reporters ahead of the New Zealand clash, "Attacking someone over their religion is the most pathetic thing one can do as a human. That is a very sacred and personal thing. People take out their frustration because they have no understanding of what we do,"
"We're playing on the field, we're not a bunch of spineless people on social media. This has become a source of entertainment for some people which is very sad. All this drama created on the outside is based on people's frustrations," he said.
"We stand by him 200 per cent. Our brotherhood in the team cannot be shaken." Kohli added.
India have lost both of their opening encounters in the T20 World Cup 2021 to Pakistan and New Zealand, and will need to win their remaining matches and hope for other results to go in their favour to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Kohli scored a fine 57 against Pakistan with the team in trouble, but struggled before getting dismissed for just 9 against New Zealand. India next plays Afghanistan on Wednesday.
