Former Indian captain Virat Kohli took to social media to applaud the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for their thrilling semifinal victory over Australia, praising their grit, composure, and team spirit. India chased down a challenging total to book their spot in the finals, marking one of their most memorable wins in recent years.

Kohli praises Jemimah’s standout innings

Kohli’s heartfelt post quickly went viral. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote,

“What a victory by our team over a mighty opponent like Australia. A great chase by the girls and a standout performance by Jemimah in a big game. A true display of resilience, belief, and passion. Well done, Team India!”

The message celebrated Jemimah Rodrigues’ crucial knock, which anchored India’s chase under immense pressure. Fans and fellow cricketers flooded the post with likes and comments, lauding Kohli for his words of encouragement.

Fans react with unnecessary criticism

However, amid the praise, a section of social media users began criticising Kohli for not mentioning captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who also played a stellar innings, scoring 89 off 88 balls. Some fans alleged that Kohli intentionally ignored her due to Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise rivalries — as Harmanpreet represents Mumbai Indians, while Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

These claims, though unfounded, sparked an unnecessary debate online. Many users, including cricket analysts, called out such behaviour, reminding fans that Kohli’s post was a general appreciation of the team’s collective effort, not a personal snub.

Unfounded fan wars overshadow the win

Cricket experts and senior players have long spoken against toxic fan rivalries that detract from genuine sporting achievements. In this case, Kohli’s positive message was overshadowed by baseless fan wars and needless speculation.
No professional cricketer, particularly one of Kohli’s stature, holds grudges over franchise affiliations. His message was a show of respect for the women’s team’s resilience and teamwork in one of their biggest matches yet.

Focus should stay on the team’s success

India’s victory over Australia was not the result of one performance alone but of multiple players stepping up under pressure. Both Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues played match-winning knocks, while the bowlers held their nerve in crucial moments.

Fans and media alike have urged everyone to focus on the achievement, not on imagined controversies. As India gears up for the final, unity and positivity within the cricketing community remain key.