Xavier Bartlett faces vile attack from Virat Kohli fans after memorable wicket at Adelaide: ‘Virat is your father’

Xavier Bartlett’s memorable wicket of Virat Kohli became a nightmare for the 26-year-old cricketer as the fans of the Indian batting star swarmed to his Instagram account, inflicting vicious trolling on the Australian fast bowler. Kohli’s second match on his international return was cut short to just four balls as Bartlett dismissed him lbw for a duck in the India-Australia second ODI at Adelaide on Thursday.

Kohli, who was dismissed for an eight-ball duck in the first ODI at Perth, earned a dubious record with Bartlett trapping him in front of the stumps. This was the first time Kohli was dismissed for consecutive ducks in ODIs, a format in which he is considered the best.

What added fuel to the fire was Kohli’s gesture on his way to the pavilion as he slightly raised his arm to acknowledge the standing ovation. Many feel it was Kohli’s subtle message that he has decided to move on from international cricket and could announce his retirement after the third ODI at Sydney on Saturday.

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Kohli fans troll Bartlett, hurl vile comments

Kohli’s fans were clearly the most hurt by how his return to international cricket after over seven months has transpired. And in their frustration, they decided to vent out their anger on Xavier Bartlett’s Instagram account as the Australian was subjected to insensitive and abhorrent comments.

Kohli fans did not forget to remind Bartlett that Virat is “his father” or that he will be “finished” in the next match.

Here are the screenshots of some of the vile comments that a Bartlett’s Instagram post received from Kohli fans.

Some Australian fans also did not shy away from taking a dig at Kohli fans. “Xavier is the father of India and Virat Kohli, important and fact,” a fan wrote.

Another fan said: “I’m new here but I’m loving these salty Indian fans comments ❤️❤️❤️ grandpa Kohli got any grapes??? And then he waddled away!!!”

While Kohli fans have found it tough to accept the poor performance of their icon, Bartlett was delighted to have his wicket.

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“Probably one of the best white-ball players of all time," Bartlett told Fox Cricket. “Lucky to get him, I tried to bowl an outswinger, and it nipped back. Probably a bit of pure luck, but nice to see the back of him early."

Australia won the second ODI by two wickets, taking a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series.