Virat Kohli gets booed by Australian crowd: 4 instances when India batter stood for other players amidst criticism

Virat Kohli isn't just a cricketer with loads of records behind him. Instead the former India captain is someone who stands by his teammates and sometimes opponent team players, both on and off the field. While his bat does all the talking for himself, Kohli's commitment towards the game and his sportsmanship and respect for other players is also something that sets him apart.     

Things are different this time. In the ongoing fourth Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Kohli has been subject to jeers and boos from the Melbourne crowd since Day 1, following his shoulder-barge against Sam Konstas. 

Although Kohli accepted his mistake and was punished by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the boos kept coming for the India batter during his time on the field - be it during India's batting or fielding. Amidst all the criticism, lets take a look back at times when Kohli stood for his teammates and opponents. 

Kohli asks Oval crowd to stop Smith

The incident took place during the India vs Australia match in the 2019 ODI World Cup in England. Steve Smith, who was involved in the infamous sandpaper scandal, had just returned to cricket following a year-long ban. The Australian was greeted with boos and chants of 'cheater' while Smith fielded during India's innings. Sensing the moment, then-India captain Kohli walked towards the stands where the noise most came from and urged the fans to cheer Smith instead of booing him.

Hardik Pandya gets Virat Kohli's back 

Mumbai Indians' decision to replace captain Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya for IPL 2024 didn't go well with the fans. As a result, Pandya became a victim of constant booing whenever Mumbai Indians played a game in IPL 2024. One such incident took place during Mumbai Indians' clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). At a time when Pandya walked out to bat, Kohli ensured that the MI skipper was spared from the negativity from the fans. The former RCB skipper reminded the fans that Pandya isn't just a MI skipper but also represents the Indian cricket team.

Kohli asks Delhi crowd to stop jeering Naveen

Kohli's verbal spat with Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq isn't new to anybody. So when India faced Afghanistan during the 2023 ODI World Cup in Delhi, Naveen faced jeers from the Kotla crowd. Kohli, stepping up in a remarkable display of sportsmanship, urged the crowd to not jeer the visiting team fast bowler as India chased down the target of 273 with ease.

Kohli asks crowd to chant ‘Shubman'

During the 2023 ODI World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Kohli requested the crowd to chant "Shubman Shubman" instead of "Sara Sara" for the India opener. Notably Shubman Gill was linked with Sachin Tendulkar's daughter Sara Tendulkar. Kohli's kind gesture showcased his leadership and respect for his teammate even when he is not the captain of the side.

Respect is mutual in any sport and Kohli's action perfectly echoes these sentiments. Not only he time and again reminded that cricket is more than just a sport, it is also a platform for mutual respect, friendship and sportsmanship.