Australia cricketer Steve Smith appreciated Virat Kohli’s heartwarming gesture to the crowd during the 2019 ODI World Cup. The crowd was booing Steve Smith, however, Virat Kohli stood up for the Aussie batter and asked the crown to support him instead. Smith expressed that it was great to see the sportsmanship shown by the former Indian skipper.
The incident took place during the India vs Australia match at The Oval in London. Some Indian fans booed Steve Smith who was fielding at the boundary line. It was a few weeks after Smith made his comeback to international cricket after serving a one-year suspension for his involvement in a ball-tampering incident. Virat Kohli noticed the incident at The Oval and intervened. He gestured towards Indian fans to stop booing and instead applaud Steve Smith.
Speaking to Star Sports, as quoted by OneCricket, the Australian cricketer said,
“It was a very nice moment from Kohli in the 2019 World Cup, the crowd was booing me and he told the crowd just to support him, What is wrong with him? That was great from Virat, I really appreciate it.”
Virat Kohli is an incredible player: Steve Smith
Australia batter Steve Smith went on to praise Virat Kohli, terming him an “incredible player”. He also added that the Indian batter performs when it matters the most in big matches. Both Steve Smith and Virat Kohli have expressed their mutual admiration for each other in several interviews.
“Virat Kohli is an incredible player. He always stepped up and delivered in big games. He has done it again and again for India in big games – there are not many bigger players than Kohli,” said the Australian batter.
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will be up against each other during the limited-overs Australia’s tour of India, in 2023. The tour begins with a three-match ODI series, starting on September 22 in Mohali. They will also play five T20Is after the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
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