Virat Kohli's Bodyguard Accused of Abusing Accredited Indian Journalist in Birmingham During India-England ODI Series
Virat Kohli's personal bodyguard has been accused of verbally abusing an accredited Indian journalist from Revsportz in Birmingham. The alleged incident occurred on July 14, 2026, after the 1st India vs England ODI at Edgbaston, as the journalist was covering the team's departure. This has sparked concerns over media treatment during the ongoing white-ball.
An accredited Indian journalist has reportedly faced verbal abuse from star cricketer Virat Kohli's personal bodyguard in Birmingham. The alleged incident occurred at Edgbaston, following the conclusion of the first One Day International between India and England, as the Indian team was departing the venue. The journalist was reportedly standing in a designated media area, attempting to capture visuals of the team's departure, when the altercation took place. Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir Reportedly Avoid Interaction During Edgbaston Practice Session.
Virat Kohli's Bodyguard Allegedly Abuses Journalist
The journalist, who was present with valid media accreditation, was allegedly confronted by Kohli's bodyguard. According to reports, the bodyguard repeatedly instructed the journalist to 'f**k off'. Despite the journalist presenting their media accreditation card, the bodyguard reportedly dismissed it, stating he "did not care about it." This alleged exchange raises serious concerns regarding the conduct of player security personnel and the treatment of accredited media representatives covering high-profile sporting events.
Virat Kohli's Bodyguard Allegedly Uses F-word
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
Virat Kohli's Bodyguard Accused of Abusing Journalist
भारतीय वनडे टीम के एक खिलाड़ी के साथ चलने वाला या बॉडीगार्ड वहां गई मीडिया के साथ लगातार बदतमीज़ी कर रहा है। टी20 टीम के साथ ये बॉडीगार्ड नहीं था। पहले भी मीडिया के साथ बदतमीज़ी कर चुके इस बॉडीगार्ड ने मीडिया मैनेजर के कहने पर अपनी निर्धारित जगह पर खड़े एक मीडियाकर्मी को फक ऑफ,… pic.twitter.com/FuupDwr2zP
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) July 15, 2026
The incident casts a shadow over the start of India's three-match ODI series against England. The 1st ODI, held at Edgbaston, saw India kick off their campaign against the hosts with a win. The team led by Shubman Gill, features key players including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and is looking to reset after a challenging T20I series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are yet to release official statements regarding the alleged incident. However, the reported behaviour of the bodyguard has sparked discussions within the media fraternity about access and respect for journalists covering major international cricket tours. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining professional conduct, especially when dealing with accredited media who are vital for disseminating news and engaging fans globally. Further updates are awaited on whether any official action will be taken.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 09:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).