Hardik Pandya, Steve Smith: When Virat Kohli Asked Fans to Stop Booing Cricketers on Field

Hardik Pandya, Steve Smith: When Virat Kohli Asked Fans to Stop Booing Cricketers on Field (Photo Credits: X)

Virat Kohli isn’t just a cricketing powerhouse; he’s also a stand-up guy, both on and off the field. His skills with the bat speak for themselves, but what truly sets him apart is his commitment to the core values of the game: respect and sportsmanship. Think about it, how often do you see players stepping up to defend their opponents from rowdy fans? Well, Kohli’s the exception, not the rule. Time and again, he’s shown his sportsmanship by standing alongside rival players and urging fans to show some respect, no matter who’s on the receiving end.

And just recently, at the Wankhede Stadium, the scene repeated itself. The former captain of RCB stepped in to calm the crowd as they began booing MI captain Hardik Pandya, who has been facing criticism since the start of the 2024 season.

Kohli-Hardik Pandya

Rekindling the Spirit of Cricket in the 2024 Indian Premier League, Kohli stood in solidarity with Hardik Pandya, urging Mumbai Indians fans to cease their chants against their franchise skipper. With a simple yet impactful gesture from the middle of the field, Kohli ensured that Pandya was spared from the onslaught of negativity. It was when Hardik walked out to finish the run chase for the Mumbai Paltan, Kohli reminded the MI faithful that their captain not only leads their team but also represents Team India on the international stage, deserving of their unwavering support.

And this incident prompted us to revisit moments where Kohli extended his support, not just to his fellow Indian players, but also to players from other nations, reaffirming his commitment to fostering camaraderie and respect in the world of cricket.

Kohli- Naveen-ul-Haq

Amidst the anticipation at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during the IND vs AFG clash in the ODI World Cup 2023, fans eagerly awaited the showdown between Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq. The atmosphere was charged, fueled by their previous verbal spat in the IPL earlier that year. However, to everyone’s surprise, what unfolded on the field was a remarkable display of sportsmanship.

Kohli, renowned for his fiery demeanour on the field, took a moment to remind the fans that aggression in cricket should never be directed toward the players themselves. In a touching gesture that resonated with many, the former Indian captain appealed to the crowd to refrain from jeering at the Afghanistan pacer. What ensued was beyond expectations as Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq set aside their differences, sharing a heartfelt embrace and a smile as India successfully chased down the target of 273 in Delhi.

Kohli-Steve Smith

In a moment etched in cricketing history, Virat Kohli showcased his sportsmanship at The Oval during the 2019 World Cup. As the crowd jeered at Steve Smith, still reeling from the aftermath of the infamous sandpaper gate scandal, Kohli, leading the Indian side, stepped in.

Smith had just returned to the game after serving a year-long ban for his role in the ball-tampering controversy during a Test match against South Africa in Capetown in March 2018. Greeted with boos and chants of ‘cheater,’ Smith was facing a hostile reception as he fielded during India’s innings. Sensing the moment, Kohli made a poignant gesture. He walked towards the stand where the crowd was particularly vocal, waving to the fans and urging them to applaud Smith instead of booing him.

In such defining moments, Kohli not only exemplified his deep-seated respect for the game but also extended an olive branch to his fellow cricketer, highlighting the enduring essence of cricket as a gentleman’s pursuit, where honour and integrity are paramount.

As Vivian Richards once said, “Respect for the opposition is key in cricket,” Kohli’s actions echo these sentiments, serving as a poignant reminder that cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a platform for mutual respect and sportsmanship.