Virat Kohli comes in support of Smith, says booing him unacceptable
London:Indian skipper Virat Kohli says he apologised to Steve Smith on behalf of the fans after the former Australian skipper coped another round of "unacceptable" booing in the ongoing World Cup.
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.
"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'. In my opinion, that's not acceptable," the Indian captain said.
"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's just playing cricket," Kohli said at the end of the match.
ICYMI: All class from Virat Kohli overnight: https://t.co/5298aX0pgK #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/RHxcLBuIzn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 10, 2019
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.
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We'll work with truth, non-violence to remove Modi-RSS govt: Rahul
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said his party stands with "satya (truth)" and vowed to remove the "Narendra Modi-RSS government".
Addressing the party's 'Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod' rally at the Ramlila Maidan here, he launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission and mentioned the names of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi to allege that they were working for the BJP.
"We will stand with 'satya' (truth) and will remove the Narendra Modi-RSS government from power. They have 'satta' (power), and they indulge in 'vote chori'," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
Gandhi claimed that the BJP transferred Rs 10,000 during elections, but the poll panel did not take any action against them. "In this fight between truth and untruth, the Election Commission is working with the BJP government," he said.
"(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi brought a new law to give immunity to EC; we will change this law retroactively and act against election commissioners," Gandhi said.
Asserting that it may take time, but truth will ultimately win, he said, "We'll work with truth and non-violence to defeat Modi and (Amit) Shah."
VIDEO | Delhi: Addressing the party’s ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor’ rally at Ramlila Maidan, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, “PM Modi brought a new law to give immunity to EC; we will change that and act against Election Commissioners.”
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2025
(Full video available on PTI… pic.twitter.com/CpYfEdwjF2
