ODI World Cup 2023

‘IPL contract nahi milega tab bhi’- Fans react to Kusal Mendis’ clarification on old remark on Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI century

Kusal Mendis, who captained Sri Lanka for the majority of the 2023 World Cup, has offered clarification regarding his controversial statement on Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI century.

In a pre-match press conference ahead of the game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Mendis was asked to comment on Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI century which he had scored the previous night against South Africa. The question was deemed bizarre by many as it was unrelated to the match at hand. The journalist in question then asked Mendis if he would like to congratulate the legendary Indian batter.

“Why would I congratulate him?”, Mendis replied, a response which garnered mixed reactions. Mendis’ response was interpreted in different ways. Some believed that his response was a reflection of his lack of respect for a superstar of the game, while others felt that it was a reaction to the journalist’s poor questioning. Even if the latter was true, many opined that Mendis could have been gracious enough to acknowledge Kohli’s massive achievement instead of responding rudely and disrespectfully.

‘During the press conference, I wasn’t aware that Kohli scored his 49th Hundred’ – Kusal Mendis

Now, in his clarification, Mendis has said that he wasn’t aware of the fact that Kohli had scored his 49th ton and equalized the great Sachin Tendulkar. He also acknowledged the fact that what he had earlier said was wrong. “During the press conference, I wasn’t aware that Kohli scored his 49th Hundred when the journalist suddenly asked, I didn’t know what to say & I didn’t understand the question as well – scoring 49 hundreds is not easy – what I said was wrong, I am feeling for it,” Mendis was quoted as saying by Asian Mirror.

Kusal Mendis’ recent apology for his remarks about Virat Kohli has failed to appease some critics who believe that his statement is merely an attempt to avoid further backlash, particularly from Kohli’s fan base. They maintain that Mendis’ initial comments, which downplayed Kohli’s achievement, were disrespectful and lacked the humility expected of a professional cricketer. Others argue that his apology is genuine and that his initial remarks were misconstrued.

Here, we look at how ‘X’ reacted to Kusal’s latest revelation:

I don't blame Kusal Mendis for what happened at PC.

It was Sri Lanka Match Press Conference and he was looking for questions related to that, sometimes it becomes iritating when you drag India everywhere coz it is World Cup not India's domestic trophy.

I stand with Mendis❤️

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 12, 2023

IPL contract nhi milega tab bhi 😅

— Gaurav Gulati (@gulatiLFC) November 12, 2023

What he said wasn't problem because that was his opinion, but the way he spoke didn't look goo at all he showed unnecessary attitude.

— CricWiz (@CricWizTalks) November 12, 2023

Pakistani 😂 pic.twitter.com/nWt8XUo71q

— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) November 12, 2023

Software updated pic.twitter.com/uWj0fU6OKn

— 𝙕𝙄𝙈𝘽𝙐 😎 𝕏 (@Zimbu12_) November 12, 2023

https://twitter.com/WaqasJrh/status/1723611487636209665

https://twitter.com/MrsRajalaxmi/status/1723611760123601371

I heard some experts here saying that it wasn’t India’s press conference.

Of course right, but when he was asked about Kohlis hundred he should have simply said I don’t know and all. What exactly triggered was his attitude 💯

— Manu (@virat_facts) November 12, 2023