Veteran Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has come under the spotlight after journalists accused his personal bodyguard of misconduct. The alleged incident took place when the Men in Blue arrived in Cardiff ahead of the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series against England on Wednesday, July 16.
India, led by Shubman Gill, secured a convincing six-wicket win over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston. The visitors bounced back strongly after a 4-0 defeat in the T20I series, chasing down 259 in 45.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Virat Kohli scored just 5 runs during the series opener.
Journalist Alleges Misconduct by Virat Kohli’s Bodyguard
A senior journalist shared details of an alleged verbal altercation outside the Indian team bus in Cardiff. Journalists were standing inside the designated media area covering the team’s departure after the training session.
“A bodyguard of a player from the Indian ODI team has been continuously misbehaving with the media present at the venue. This bodyguard was not with the T20I squad.”
The journalist further alleged that the bodyguard verbally abused a journalist despite the player already being on the team bus. He claimed the security guard repeatedly shouted, “Fk off, fk off,” at a journalist who was standing in the designated media area at the media manager’s instruction.
“The same individual, who has previously behaved rudely with the media, again abused a journalist who was standing in the designated media area, repeatedly saying ‘Fk off, fk off’ at the media manager’s instruction. By that time, the player he was guarding had already boarded the team bus.”
इसने कुछ दिन पहले एक फैन का फोन भी तोड़ दिया था। ऐसे लोग भारतीय क्रिकेट की बदनामी करा रहे हैं। https://t.co/xo2kdKYhdh
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) July 15, 2026
This is Virat Kohli’s bodyguard. A media person was standing at his designated area capturing team’s departure visuals and was standing with the fans. He had his media accreditation card. After Virat got inside the bus, this bodyguard came towards that media person and started… pic.twitter.com/q1ScmiqPaP
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) July 15, 2026
BCCI Rules on Private Security During Overseas Tours
The incident has also raised questions about the BCCI’s policy on private security during overseas tours. The bodyguard was not part of the Indian team’s support staff during the recently concluded five-match T20I series against England.
There have been questions about whether centrally contracted players are allowed to travel with privately hired security personnel on international tours. According to reports, players generally rely on security arrangements provided by the BCCI and local authorities during overseas assignments.
Other senior Indian players took a different approach during the team’s departure in Cardiff. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan stopped to greet fans and sign autographs, while the player at the center of the controversy was accompanied by a private bodyguard.
Fans and Journalists Demand BCCI Action Over Alleged Misconduct
The alleged incident has triggered strong reactions on social media, with several fans and journalists calling for the BCCI to look into the matter. Many have urged the board to take appropriate action if the allegations against the private bodyguard are found to be true.
At the time of writing, neither Virat Kohli nor the BCCI has issued an official statement regarding the allegations. If the claims are verified and any touring guidelines were breached, the matter could be reviewed internally by the board.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will look to put the controversy behind him and focus on the second ODI against England. The former India captain Virat Kohli scored just five runs in the series opener after returning from a hamstring injury, falling leg before wicket to Jofra Archer.