Five times Virat Kohli displayed his Spirit of Cricket
Indian skipper Virat Kohli is known for his aggression and competitive spirit. There have been many instances when the captain has gotten into trouble for not being at his best behaviour while playing some intense games. However, from time to time, Kohli has also given a glimpse of his humble side by helping the opposition team at the time of need.
Kohli walking off despite the umpire not adjudging him out against Pakistan
Watching the two arch-rivals India and Pakistan on the cricket field is nothing less than a visual delight for the fans. The two had last played against each other during the 2019 World Cup. However, instead of the thrilling performance by the players, the match is remembered for the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ moment displayed by the Indian captain Virat Kohli. Kohli was at his fluent best in the game with the willow but he decided to walk off when he thought he had nicked a Mohammad Amir bouncer to Sarfaraz Ahmed. Virat had walked off the field without waiting for the Umpire’s decision, however, it was revealed that he hadn’t nicked the ball.
Kohli asking the Indian fans not to boo Steven Smith in the World Cup
With India fans giving Steve Smith a tough time fielding in the deep, @imVkohli suggested they applaud the Australian instead.
Absolute class ? #SpiritOfCricket #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/mmkLoedxjr
— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2019
Kohli and Steve Smith didn’t share good camaraderie in the past. However, the Indian skipper had stunned the cricket fraternity by displaying a great gesture of sportsmanship as he asked the Indian fans not to boo Steven Smith in the wake of that Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. Smith was subjected to a lot of trolling by the fans on the ground during the World Cup 2019 but this warm gesture by Kohli won hearts.
Kohli calls out Indian physio to check the injured Bangladesh batsman
In the end, it’s all about the #SpiritOfCricket.#TeamIndia physio, Mr. Nitin Patel attends to Nayeem after he gets hit on the helmet.#PinkBallTest pic.twitter.com/pFXsUfXAUY
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 22, 2019
Another moment from 2019 that made people admire Kohli more came during the pink ball Test between India and Bangladesh at the iconic Eden Gardens. During the course of the game, Bangladesh batsman Nayeem Hasan was struck with a bouncer by Mohammed Shami. Such was the impact of that bouncer that Hasan immediately fell to the ground. Seeing the condition of Nayeem, Indian captain Kohli quickly came forward to check on the batsman and called his team physio Nitin Patel to attend the injured Bangladeshi batsman.
Kohli shares a light moment with Pakistan players after defeat in Champions Trophy 2017
The Indian team had succumbed to a devastating defeat by a massive 180 runs against Pakistan in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy. However, the Indian skipper Kohli didn’t hold any grudge against the Men in Green as after the match he not only congratulated the opposition players for the victory but was also seen sharing a laugh with the neighbouring players.
Kohli helps Joe Root after the latter suffers cramps
#SpiritOfCricket at its very best ??#INDvENG @Paytm | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/vaEdH29VXo
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2021
Indian skipper Kohli was all over the news during the first Test between India and England as he was widely hailed by fans and veterans for his act of sportsmanship and humbleness towards the opposition skipper Joe Root. During the course of the game, Root found himself struggling with cramps as the constant running and batting in the hot and humid temperature of Chennai got the better of the England skipper. As Root fell on the ground due to cramps, Virat, who was fielding at slip, quickly reached out to Root and aided him by holding his leg up in the air.
