Steve Smith has recently shared his gratitude towards Virat Kohli for his gesture during the 2019 ICC World Cup. The incident took place during a match between India and Australia when Smith was on the receiving end of boos from Indian fans. Kohli stepped forward to defend his fellow cricketer.
The backdrop to this incident was Smith’s return to international cricket following a one-year suspension for his involvement in a ball-tampering scandal. The India vs. Australia match, held at The Oval in London, witnessed some Indian fans directing their frustration towards Smith as he patrolled the boundary.
Kohli, who was at the crease, didn’t hesitate to respond to this situation. He acknowledged the crowd’s disapproval and, in an impromptu act of sportsmanship, gestured towards the section of Indian fans who were jeering Smith.
Kohli’s message was clear: he urged the fans to cease their taunts and instead show their support for the Australian. This display of camaraderie resonated with Smith, who later praised Kohli for his graciousness.
Reflecting on the incident in an interview with Star Sports, Smith shared his appreciation for Kohli’s gesture.
“It was a really kind gesture from Kohli during the 2019 World Cup when the crowd was booing me and he told them to simply cheer for him. I truly admire Virat for that; it was excellent,” Smith said.
Smith praised Kohli for his excellent cricket skills and his ability to perform exceptionally well in important matches.
“Virat Kohli is an amazing player. In crucial games, he’s consistently delivered for India. There aren’t many greater players than Kohli, but he has shown himself time and time again for India in important matches,” he concluded.
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