In the world of cricket, where people tend to be very emotional, sometimes the spirit of the game is overshadowed by the on-field controversies. Recently, Virat Kohli he found himself in the limelight not only because of his performance but also his performance during the ongoing exams in Australia. After facing a fine for the incident on the opening day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli made headlines again, this time for impressing the Australian batsmen. Steve Smith. This moment not only shows the character of Kohli but also shows the importance of sportsmanship in cricket.
Virat Kohli's ongoing tour Down Under
Kohli's Australian tour has been a difficult one, marked by personal struggles 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 compounded by an altercation with an Australian journalist before the Melbourne Test, which led to widespread scrutiny. The Australian press, which always wanted to capitalize on Kohli's controversies, portrayed him as a figure of contempt rather than respect. This tour could be one of Kohli's last with the Indian team in Australia, which increases the pressure to score runs and help his team win.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas clash on the shoulder on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test
Kohli's great escape: Everything is a lesson learned
The incident that led to Kohli being fined happened when he was charged Konstas himself at the critical moment in the game. The International Cricket Council (ICC) responded by fining him twenty percent of his salary and giving him one count of breaching their rules. As cricket is essentially a non-contact sport, this is taken seriously, and Kohli's actions are seen as a breach of decorum. This incident could have tarnished his reputation, but Kohli managed to turn things around in a simple yet profound way.
Kohli's special hand to Steve Smith
On the second day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Smith celebrated his 34th Test century—a feat that made him the leading century against. India in the exam history. In a brief but poignant moment, Kohli approached Smith and patted him on the back in acknowledgment of his actions. This act was caught on camera and quickly went viral, showing that Kohli can rise above personal problems and embrace the spirit of the game. Despite being booed by some sections of the crowd earlier in the match, Kohli's reaction to Smith resonated with many fans who appreciated this display of sportsmanship amid adversity.
Here is the video:
Virat Kohli praises Steve Smith's Hundreds #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/pQsOXrZJge
— Samar (@SamarPa71046193) December 27, 2024
Kohli's partnership with Smith serves as a reminder that cricket is not just about competition; it's about respect and friendship between the players. While Kohli may be facing difficulties during the tour of Australia and abroad, Smith's recent actions show that he is still committed to the true spirit of cricket.