Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his sheer disappointment after half-edited clip of him talking about Virat Kohli's batting making rounds on social media on Monday, February 19. Bhogle is often known for his expertise in the sport and be on the commentary panel during India bilateral matches and major tournaments.
Harsha Bhogle is always active on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), sharing his opinions on the matches. However, the cricket commentator was unhappy with the use of social media nowadays after his half-edited clip received criticism from Virat Kohli fans about his batting in the shortest format.
In a video, Harsha Bhogle spoke about how Virat Kohli's dismissal in the T20 format is in the best interest of the team, as it paves the way for a more aggressive batter. However, the video abruptly ends while he was continuing his discussion.
Harsha Bhogle slammed 'selective editing'
Bhogle was quick to react to his video with a quote retweet on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the video was cropped and slammed 'selective' editing reporting while urging the media to put the whole chip.
"This is an example of what I was talking about with social media. The video is cropped just before the point where I say that Virat is capable of playing across situations but that I was only highlighting how even the greatest players have to keep adjusting demands and priorities." Harsha Bhogle wrote on X.
"Come on @PTI_News. I am sure you can do better. With selectively edited reporting, nobody will be able to articulate thoughts again. Can you put out the whole clip please?" the 59-year-old added.
In another Tweet, Harsha Bhogle was disappointed with 'irresponsible click bait' while questioning the credibility of the profession.
"If even @PTI_News succumbs to irresponsible clickbait media, what chance does our profession have? Extremely disappointed. I hope the head of @PTI_News news is too. Come on, let us maintain the fairness of our profession." Bhogle wrote.
Harsha Bhogle shares full clip of him about Virat Kohli
A couple of hours later, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle shared the full clip of him talking about Virat Kohli's batting in T20 cricket on his X handle (formerly Twitter) and slammed 'clickbait journalism' for cropping out 'six seconds' to change the meaning of his statement about Indian batter.
In an unedited video, Harsha Bhogle can be seen saying that Virat Kohli's dismissal in T20 benefits the team may not be 'appropriate' as he is a player who can play across situations.
"Virat Kohli is a great example. Virat Kohli is playing Test cricket for India. He is not supposed to get out. Now, he goes to play for RCB, for India; beyond a certain point, it might actually been the interest of the side for him to get out." Bhogle said.
"How do you reconcile to the fact that I am one of the greatest that’s played the game but actually at this stage, it’s in the team’s interest that I get out because the person who is coming in will probably hit 20 off six balls?. Virat Kohli is an extreme example. It may not be appropriate because he has the skills to play across situations." he added.
How netizens reacted to Harsha Bogle's cropped video of him about Virat Kohli
Harsha Bhogle's comments in the cropped video on Virat Kohli didn't go down well with former India captain fans as many criticized many for being biased against the batter. The fans reminded him of Kohli's strike rate in T20 cricket and how India's talismanic bailed India out in a pressure situation in the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is part of the not ongoing Test series against England as he has been ruled due to personal reason. The 35-year-old withdrew from initial two Tests in Hyderabad and Vizag due to personal reasons. The BCCI requested everyone to respect privacy of Kohli's family.
While announcing the squad for remaining Tests, BCCI confirmed will not partake in the entire series as he continues to be with his family. However, there are several speculations around his absence but Virat Kohli and his wife Anuskha Sharma are tight-lipped about their personal as a matter privacy.
