In the midst of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, a peculiar pattern has emerged that has left fans scratching their heads and, in some cases, fuming with frustration. Star Sports, the renowned sports broadcaster, has found itself under intense scrutiny for what many perceive as an overbearing fixation on Virat Kohli, the cricket maestro, at the expense of other notable players, especially India’s current captain, Rohit Sharma.
The controversy began brewing just before the semi-final clash with New Zealand. Star Sports, in a move that bewildered fans, unveiled a pre-game poster prominently featuring Kane Williamson at one end and Virat Kohli at the other, omitting India’s skipper Rohit Sharma altogether. This sparked an avalanche of criticism, with fans accusing Star Sports of turning cricket coverage into a Kohli-centric spectacle solely for the sake of Television Rating Points (TRP).
The backlash was swift and unforgiving. Fans and Kohli fans alike lambasted Star Sports for what they perceived as an unreal and obsessive focus on the cricket maestro. Faced with mounting criticism, the broadcaster swiftly rectified the situation by replacing Kohli with Rohit Sharma in the poster. However, this did little to quell the growing sentiment among fans that Star Sports was prioritizing individual star power over the collective spirit of the Indian cricket team.
“Star Sports Insulted Indian Captain Rohit Sharma In Their Latest Video”
As India gears up for the final showdown against Australia, Star Sports has once again ignited the flames of controversy. In a pre-match video, the broadcaster showcased India’s cricketing triumphs through the years, featuring Kapil Dev’s historic World Cup lift in one star, MS Dhoni’s iconic 2011 victory in the second, and surprisingly, a shared space for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the third.
The inclusion of both Sharma and Kohli in the third star has not gone unnoticed by discerning fans. Many have raised eyebrows, questioning the rationale behind featuring two players when traditionally, the third star would solely represent the current captain, in this case, Rohit Sharma. The persistent exclusion of Sharma from the solo limelight has reignited the debate on Star Sports’ alleged obsession with Virat Kohli.
In the midst of these controversies, Virat Kohli has achieved a personal milestone, scoring his 50th ODI hundred during the semi-final clash. This significant accomplishment has propelled him beyond the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, etching his name in cricket history.
As fans eagerly await the final between India and Australia, the lingering question remains: Why does Star Sports seem fixated on Virat Kohli to the detriment of showcasing the entire team, especially the captain, Rohit Sharma? The broadcaster’s decisions have sparked a fervent online discussion, with social media buzzing with opinions.
Hi @StarSportsIndia,
When Kapil Dev was alone in the first star, what was the need to add Virat Kohli in the third one when Rohit was already there?
Why can’t you let Rohit Sharma take the place he truly deserves?
PR > Respect of the Indian captain
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) November 17, 2023
