Virat Kohli can play the game the way he wants to: David Warner

David Warner

Playing down Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli’s attempts at sledging his team in the ongoing Test series, Australian batsman David Warner has said that the 26-year-old can play the game whichever way he wants to, but he should be mindful of not crossing the line.

Mitchell Johnson was given a fierce send-off by a few Indian players, particularly by Kohli, following his dismissal on Day 4 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), something that didn’t go very well with the fast bowler.

When asked about the incident, Warner, speaking at the post-match press conference, said: “I didn't see what they said to Mitchell Johnson but obviously Kohli was lurking around Brad Haddin. If that's the way he wants to go about his cricket then let him be.

“At the end of the day, we also play cricket the aggressive way. Though I personally feel that whatever happens in the field should stay on the field. It shouldn't be brought off the field.”

Kohli had earlier said that he doesn’t feel respected by the Australian players and hence he doesn’t hold them in high regard as well. Reacting to those comments, Warner said: "That's his opinion. He has got 160-odd runs, so let him say what he wants to say. Whether it's the right thing to say or not, it's up to him.

“There is a line you cannot cross and it is for the ICC to manage with their fines and warnings. When we talk about sledging and stuff, physical contact and verbal swearing is where we draw the line.”

More words were exchanged after the Johnson dismissal! Tense stuff out there. LIVE: http://t.co/LDINCret7f #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/liRWMR1wps

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 29, 2014