In the rough world of sport where the winner takes all, it is good to see an empathetic heart. Virat Kohli was upset when a section of the Indian fans booed Steve Smith during the World Cup match at the Oval here on Sunday. The India captain gesticulated to the crowd to pipe down and also requested that Smith should be cheered. Later, he also had a word with the Australian.
Asked about the incident, Kohli said: “I feel for him. Look, we have had a few incidents in the past, we have had our arguments, but now he is coming back. I noticed this in the IPL too that he was keen to play and there were some incidents. It happened today too (fans booing) and I felt bad for him. I went and apologised to him on behalf of the crowd.”
Back after serving a one-year suspension for the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, Smith, despite a string of impressive performances, has been getting a hostile reception at every English ground at the marquee event.
During the clash with India here on Sunday, which Australia lost by 36 runs, the Indian fans booed Smith and chanted “cheater, cheater” when the defending champions were fielding. Kohli urged them to calm down and instead cheer his batting.
Kohli and Smith have had their run-ins in the past including the infamous ‘Brain fade’ controversy during a 2017 Test match in Bengaluru, when Smith was seen seeking help for a referral from the dressing room. The home captain was left fuming during that time.
But on Sunday, the two were seen shaking hands after the former gestured the fans to show some restraint.
“He (Smith) was just standing there, and I felt bad because if I was in a position where something had happened with me and I had apologised, I accepted it and I came back and still I would get booed, I wouldn’t like it, either,” he said.
For Kohli, if someone has shown repentance then others should let go of the baggage and move on.
“Look, I think what’s happened has happened like long back, the guy is back. He’s trying to play well for his side. Even in the IPL, I saw him, it’s not good to see someone down like that, to be honest,” Kohli said.
Kohli acknowledged the differences he has had with Smith in the past.
“We’ve had a few arguments on the field. But you don’t want to see a guy feeling that heat every time he goes out to play. What’s happened has happened. Everyone has known that. He’s come back. He’s worked hard. He’s playing well for his side now,” the skipper said.
(With inputs from PTI)