NEW DELHI: In one of the most memorable moments of sportsmanship in recent cricket history, former India captain Virat Kohli earned widespread respect during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup for his gesture towards Australian batsman Steve Smith.
The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between India and Australia at The Oval in London on June 9, 2019.
The background of the event traces back to 2018 when Steve Smith and his teammate David Warner were involved in the infamous ball-tampering scandal during a Test series against South Africa.
The scandal, which rocked the cricketing world, led to a 12-month suspension for both players.
By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, both Smith and Warner had returned to international cricket, but their reputation had taken a serious hit.
Fans across the globe, especially those outside of Australia, were not ready to forgive them easily, and they were often subjected to boos and jeers whenever they took to the field.
During the India-Australia match, the crowd’s behavior towards Smith was hostile.
Every time Smith approached the boundary or came on the screen, sections of Indian supporters began to boo him, shouting taunts and referring to the ball-tampering incident.
This negativity caught the attention of Kohli, who was batting at the time. Though the rivalry between India and Australia has always been fierce, Kohli’s sense of fairness and respect for the game took precedence over any personal or national rivalry.
In a moment of pure sportsmanship, Kohli gestured to the crowd, asking them to stop booing Smith and instead show him some respect.
He waved his hands toward the fans, encouraging them to applaud Smith rather than ridicule him.
Kohli later explained in a post-match interview that he felt bad seeing Smith being treated in such a way and that everyone makes mistakes in life.
According to Kohli, it was important to let bygones be bygones and show respect to someone who had served his punishment and returned to the sport.
The unexpected act won Kohli 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.
