Virat Kohli's on field rivalry with Mitchell Johnson is a part of cricketing folklore. The two masters of the game have been involved in numerous altercations on the 22 yards. Who can forget India's 2014-15 tour to Australia when in the Melbourne Test, the fiery left-arm pacer had thrown the ball straight at the Indian maestro in order to run him out. Kohli didn't take the incident lightly saying, “I was really annoyed with him hitting me with the ball, and I told him that's not on. I respect quite a few of them (Australian players), but someone who doesn't respect me I have no reason to respect him (Johnson).”
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Watch: When Johnson fired in a throw at Kohli
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On the eve of India's do-or-die World T20 clash with the Aussies, the former speedster let fly one of his stinging verbal bouncers at Kohli for the latter's comments about clashes against his country. At a pre-match press conference on Saturday, the Indian said that he loves it when the opposition sledges him and that he thrives in those situations. "I've always said that I sort of thrive on those situations," Kohli told reporters on Friday. "But you just can't go in with that sort of mindset only. You need to be versatile," Kohli informed.
"If I get into a debate with anyone, if I have to take a certain stance, that doesn't necessarily put me off my game. If anything, that motivates me more," said India's Test captain. "It doesn't mean if I don't get into a debate with someone, I won't be motivated to win the game for my team. "It's better to plan your innings without that situation and if that situation comes in, you have to take in as more fuel to the fire."
#TeamIndia batsman Virat Kohli addressed the media at Mohali ahead of the game against Australia #IndvAus #WT20
Posted by Indian Cricket Team on Saturday, 26 March 2016
Reacting to this Kohli comment Johnson tweeted, "Love it!! Went missing in WC semi last yr when it really counts." Incidentally in last year's World Cup semifinal while chasing 328 against the Aussies at Sydney, Kohli was out for one, top-edging Johnson to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin and this is the match Johnson was referring to in his tweet.
Johnson faced a lot of flak for this comment of his but he handled them sportingly.
However, the speedster drew conclusion to the Twitter battle by posting, "Anyway fun time is over. Stay safe & enjoy your Easter weekend."
