‘Kya baat kahi hain’- Fans react as Steve Smith appreciates star India batter’s heartwarming approach towards him in 2019 World Cup

Australian star batter Steve Smith has praised the former India captain Virat Kohli. He appreciated Kohli’s heartwarming gesture to the crowd in their encounter at the World Cup in June 2019. The former India skipper star stepped in to save him from the boos of the Indian fans during the group stage match between Australia and India.

Steve Smith was involved in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa and then he was banned for one year by Cricket Australia (CA). He returned to the Australian team after the ban was over and the fans were continuously targeting him for this act by booing him while he was fielding in The Oval Ground, England.

Along with Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were caught for ball tampering. After five days of investigation, it was found that the cricketers used sandpapers. Smith also admitted that the plan was made during the lunch break. After that, they got banned for one year from cricket.

It was a very nice moment from Kohli in the 2019 World Cup: Steve Smith

Speaking to Star Sports, the former Australian skipper said, “It was a very nice moment from Kohli in the 2019 World Cup, crowd was booing me and he told the crowd to just support him, What is wrong with him. That was great from Virat, really appreciate it. Virat Kohli is an incredible player. He always step up and delivered in big games. He has done it again and again for India in big games – there are not many bigger players than Kohli.”

In a press conference, Virat said, “I just felt for him and I told him, I’m sorry on behalf of the crowd because I have seen that happen in a few earlier games as well.” Later the 34-year-old added,” Just because there are so many Indian fans here, I just didn’t want them to set a bad example, to be honest, because he didn’t do anything to be booed in my opinion. He is just playing cricket.”

With the World Cup around the corner, both their sides will definitely look up to them to score runs and lead their side to another World Cup victory.

Here’s how fans reacted

Kohli’s gesture speaks volumes about his sportsmanship and leadership. It's great to see athletes supporting one another and setting an example for fans to appreciate the moments that truly matter on the field. 👏 #respect #sportsmanship

— Somanath Mishra🇮🇳 (@somnath_bbsr) September 14, 2023

Shame on pak

— Naman Sharma (@namansharma1818) September 14, 2023

You can hate him you can love him but you can't ignore him. King for a reason.

— Yash Jadhav (@farzi_rtist) September 14, 2023

Both are Fabulous…

— Patel 🏹 (@Patelshyd) September 14, 2023

Our GOAT is a very kind hearted and supporting man ❤️❤️❤️

— Saumya Tripathi (@SanskariSaumyat) September 14, 2023

They are Friends #ViratKohli

— Md Husnain (@mdrj007) September 14, 2023

Great gesture 🙌

— Manish Kumar (@manis_misra) September 14, 2023

Greats of game!

— Yuvraj Singh (@wtfyuviii) September 14, 2023