AUS vs IND (MIR): Virat Kohli congratulates Steve Smith after Aussie star’s 34th Test ton

In the world of cricket, where emotions tend to run high, the spirit of the game can sometimes be overshadowed by on-field altercations and controversies. recently, Virat Kohli found himself in the limelight not only for his performance but also for his behavior during the ongoing test series a Australia. After facing a fine for an opening day incident at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli made headlines again, this time for a touching gesture towards the Australian batsman. Steve Smith. This moment not only showed 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 compounded by a heated confrontation with an Australian journalist before the Melbourne Test, which led to significant media scrutiny. The Australian press, always eager 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, increasing the pressure on him to deliver runs and help his team to victories.

READ also: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas clash on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test

Kohli’s Great Escape: A Fine and a Lesson Learned

The incident that got Kohli fined occurred when he charged on the shoulder Constas himself during an intense moment of the match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) responded by fining him twenty percent of 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 seen as a breach of decorum. This incident could have further tarnished 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 remarkable achievement that made him the leading maker of centuries against India in the history of the test. In a brief but poignant moment, Kohli walked up to Smith and patted him on the back in recognition of his achievement. This act was caught on camera and quickly went viral, showing Kohli’s ability to overcome personal challenges and embrace the spirit of the game. Despite being booed by some sections of the crowd earlier 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 the players. While Kohli may face challenges on and off the field during this Australian tour, his recent gesture towards Smith illustrates that he remains committed to upholding the true spirit of cricket.

READ also: AUS vs IND: Here’s the penalty Virat Kohli received from the ICC for his on-field clash with Sam Konstas