Former India captain Virat Kohli has found himself at the centre of controversy during the team’s tour of England. Reports have surfaced alleging that his personal bodyguard was involved in some misconduct in Cardiff. This incident reportedly occurred after the team arrived for the second ODI of their three-match series against England on July 16. According to media sources, the bodyguard is said to have verbally abused accredited journalists and even damaged a fan’s mobile phone near the team hotel. As of now, these allegations haven’t been verified, and neither Kohli nor the BCCI has provided an official comment on the matter.
According to reports from journalist Subhayan Chakraborty of RevSportz, media personnel with valid accreditation cards were filming the Indian team’s departure from a designated media zone when the incident allegedly unfolded. Kohli had already boarded the team bus when the bodyguard reportedly approached journalists and used abusive language, as he said, “The same individual, who has previously behaved rudely with the media, again abused a journalist who was standing in the designated media area, repeatedly saying ‘Fk off, fk off’ at the media manager’s instruction. By that time, the player he was guarding had already boarded the team bus.”
The journalists further claimed that the same individual had behaved similarly with members of the media on earlier occasions as well.
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Attention Turns to BCCI Guidelines on Personal Security Personnel
The controversy has sparked a closer look at the BCCI’s policies regarding private security for players on international trips. Reports indicate that the bodyguard in question wasn’t part of India’s official support team during the recent five-match T20I series in England. This raises new questions about whether centrally contracted cricketers are allowed to bring their own security when traveling abroad, as players typically depend on arrangements made by the BCCI and local authorities.
The conversation gained traction when other senior players were spotted mingling with fans in Cardiff. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan were seen stopping to sign autographs and chat with supporters before heading out. Meanwhile, Kohli had his personal security guard with him as the team left the venue.
This issue has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with many journalists and fans calling for an investigation if the allegations hold water. If any violations of the touring guidelines are confirmed, it could prompt an internal review by the board. For now, though, the spotlight returns to cricket as India gears up for the second ODI, leading the series 1-0 after their six-wicket victory at Edgbaston. Kohli, who just came back from a hamstring injury, only managed to score five runs in the first match before being dismissed lbw by Jofra Archer.
