Virat Kohli became emotional and lost control: Vishwanathan Anand on the “leave India” controversy

Former chess world champion Vishwanathan Anand on Monday said that he felt Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli became a bit emotional and lost control when he came up with the, “leave India” jibe that has, in recent times become a controversy.

This comment by Kohli had drawn a lot of flak and the 30-year-old was even trolled on social media when he had said, “I don’t think you should live in India” to a fan after reading his comments which said that the latter preferred to watch overseas batsmen over their Indian counterparts.

“I think he lost control. He got a bit emotional and he just said the first thing that came to his mind,” said Anand, as quoted by PTI.

That’s the attitude he is comfortable with. In sport, you see all characters and this is the character that fits him best.”

“I try to be myself and in the end, you should be comfortable in your own skin,” he added.

In the launch of his new mobile app, Kohli was reading mean tweets and comments directed to him on his birthday when he came across the comment of the cricket enthusiast.

He had replied back saying, “I don’t mind you not liking me but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.”

Anand also felt that a lot has already been written about it and it was better that nothing more was added to it.

“Maybe Kohli was caught at a weak moment, feeling a bit sensitive and was not in the best mood maybe. That’s my impression. Then he lost control of it,” opined one of the greatest minds in chess.

Also read: Virat Kohli wouldn’t be too pleased with ‘leave India’ comments: Aakash Chopra

He also stated that it was natural to get emotional sometimes, adding that he too had lost his calm in the past.

People are emotional and they lose control once in a while. It has happened to me even if I was more successful in not showing it. But there are moments when your emotions take over,” said Anand.

“He has got enough criticism already. It’s over. Those who did not like it, already criticised him so no need to keep piling on it.”