Watch: Virat Kohli asks Indian fans to stop booing Steve Smith
The latest World Cup game between India and Australia, in addition to thrilling the fans with some riveting cricket, witnessed a heart-warming gesture from Indian captain Virat Kohli.
The incident occurred when Australian cricketer Steve Smith was sent to field at the boundaryduring the first half of the game when India were batting. However, Smith wasn't welcomed in a pleasant way by a contingent of Indian fans, who were in the stands behind him. Welcoming him with boos and chants of "cheater", the Indians fans gave a hostile reception that did not go unnoticed by Virat Kohli, who was batting at the crease then.
Not pleased with this behaviour, the Indian skipper swung into action promptly and signalled the fans to stop disrespecting Steve Smith. He asked them to applaud the Australian cricketer instead. Kohli's heart-warming gesture, which was appreciated by Smith, has been fetching accolades from all corners.
The duo of Steve Smith and David Warner has returned to the game after serving a one year ban for the involvement in the infamous sandpaper gate in South Africa last year. Seeking redemption, the Australian stars look keen on making a strong statement after enduring a tough phase in their careers.
However, a few sections of the game's followers have not made things any easier for them. Booing and disrespecting the players reflects immaturity and doesn't come as an appreciable behaviour in any sport. The latest gesture from Virat Kohli certainly demands admiration and comes as a great piece of sportsmanship.
Coming to the game, India registered a convincing victory against Australia in London on Sunday to barge ahead with their World campaign. After smashing a daunting 352 in the first innings, the men in blue skittled the Aussies out for 316 to win the game by a margin of 36 runs.