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In the world of cricket, where emotions often run high, the spirit of the game can sometimes be overshadowed by on-field altercations and controversies. Recently, Virat Kohli found himself in the spotlight not only for his performance but also for his behavior during the ongoing test series in Australia. After facing a fine for an incident on the opening day of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli was in the news again, this time for a touching gesture towards the Australian batsman. Steve Smith. This moment not only showcased Kohli’s character but also highlighted the essence of sportsmanship in cricket.
Virat Kohli’s ongoing tour Down Under
Kohli’s Australian tour has been tumultuous, marked by both personal challenges and professional setbacks. The 36-year-old star batsman has struggled to find his form, leaving fans and critics questioning his performance. His problems were exacerbated by a heated confrontation with an Australian journalist before the Melbourne test, which attracted significant media scrutiny. The Australian press, always keen to capitalize on Kohli’s controversies, portrayed him as a figure of ridicule rather than respect. This tour could be one of Kohli’s last with the Indian team in Australia, amplifying the pressure on him to score runs and help his team secure wins.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas’ shoulder clash on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test
Kohli’s great escape: a fine and a lesson learned
The incident that led to Kohli being fined occurred when he shoulder charged Konstas himself during a heated moment of the game. The International Cricket Council (ICC) responded by imposing a twenty per cent fine on his match fees and assigning him a demerit point for breaching their Code of Conduct. As cricket is fundamentally a non-contact sport, such actions are taken seriously and Kohli’s actions were considered a breach of decorum. This incident could have further damaged his reputation, but Kohli managed to turn things around with a simple yet profound act of kindness.
Kohli’s special gesture for Steve Smith
During Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Smith celebrated his 34th Test century, a notable achievement that made him the leading scorer of centuries against India in Test History. In a brief but touching moment, Kohli approached Smith and patted him on the back in recognition of his achievement. This act was caught on camera and quickly went viral, showcasing Kohli’s ability to overcome personal challenges and embrace the spirit of the game. Despite being booed by some sections of the crowd early in the match, Kohli’s gesture towards Smith resonated with many fans who appreciated this display of sportsmanship amid a backdrop of tension.
Here is the video:
Virat Kohli appreciating Steve Smith’s Hundred #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/pQsOXrZJge
— Samar (@SamarPa71046193) December 27, 2024
Kohli’s interaction with Smith serves as a reminder that cricket is not just about competition; It’s also about respect and camaraderie between players. While Kohli may face challenges on and off the field during this tour of Australia, his recent gesture towards Smith illustrates that he remains committed to upholding the true spirit of cricket.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s the penalty ICC’s Virat Kohli received for his on-field clash with Sam Konstas
