Kohli says he is ‘all for freedom of choice’ following controversy

India’s Virat Kohli found himself in the midst of a storm after his controversial remarks telling a fan to ‘leave India’ if he did not like Indian batsmen. The fan had called Kohli overrated and however miscalculated his argument might have been, Kohli came under fire from various quarters including the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India over his intense reply.

Kohli was very much in damage- control mode as he opened up following the media frenzy. "I guess trolling isn't for me guys, I'll stick to getting trolled! I spoke about how "these Indians" was mentioned in the comment and that's all. I'm all for freedom of choice. Keep it light guys and enjoy the festive season. Love and peace to all," Kohli wrote on his Twitter.

The controversy erupted when Kohli read out a cricket enthusiast's comment on his mobile app: "Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians."

Kohli responded, "Okay, I don't think you should live in India then' you should go and live somewhere else, no? Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? 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."

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif opined that Kohli was being unfairly targeted and his words were being twisted to suit the people’s agenda. Earlier a few BCCI officials had remarked how Kohli’s words were misguided while commentator Harsha Bhogle had opined that famous people often live in a bubble, too comfortable in their environment to be able to absorb anything contrary to their beliefs.