In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli silenced the jeering crowd and earned widespread respect during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between India and Australia at The Oval in London on June 9, 2019.
The backdrop of this moment lies in the infamous ball-tampering scandal of 2018, which involved Australian batsman Steve Smith and his teammate David Warner. The scandal rocked the cricketing world and resulted in a 12-month suspension for both players. By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, Smith and Warner had returned to international cricket, but their reputation had been tarnished.
During the India-Australia match, the crowd’s hostility towards Smith was palpable. Every time he approached the boundary or appeared on the screen, sections of Indian supporters booed him relentlessly, reminding him of the ball-tampering incident. This negativity caught the attention of Kohli, who was batting at the time.
Despite the intense rivalry between India and Australia, Kohli’s sense of fairness and respect for the game prevailed. In a moment of pure sportsmanship, he gestured to the crowd, urging them to cease their booing and instead show Smith some respect. He waved his hands towards the fans, encouraging them to applaud Smith rather than ridicule him.
Kohli later explained in a post-match interview that he felt uncomfortable seeing Smith being treated in such a manner. He emphasized that everyone makes mistakes in life and that it was important to let bygones be bygones. According to Kohli, Smith had served his punishment and deserved respect for his return to the sport.
Kohli’s unexpected act won him praise from fans, players, and commentators alike. Steve Smith later expressed his appreciation for Kohli’s gesture, calling it a “kind and respectful” act. Kohli’s intervention became one of the highlights of the tournament, showcasing that even in the heat of intense competition, the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect can shine through.
