10 Controversial moments in Virat Kohli's career

4. ‘Brain Fade’ Steve Smith moment and the verbal exchange that followed

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith’s dismissal in the second innings of the second Test match between India and Australia at Bengaluru in the year 2017 created a lot of controversy. Smith was wrapped on the pads by Umesh Yadav, and the umpires had declared him out.

Smith was in two minds whether to take a review or not. Then, Smith did something that stunned the cricketing world. Smith was seen gesturing towards the dressing room, trying to seek assistance whether to take the review or not. This riled up Virat Kohli, and the Indian skipper was seen having a go at the umpire for the act that Smith had done.

Smith was immediately asked to leave the field and was declared out by the on-field umpires. In the post-match press conference too, Kohli did not mince his words and stated that the umpires knew what was transpiring out in the middle. The Indian skipper even bluntly stated that there are lines that the players should not cross on a cricket field.

“The umpires knew exactly what was going on. They’ve been doing that for the last three days and it has to stop. I saw that happening two times when I was batting out there. I pointed it out to the umpires … that’s why I was adamant. There are lines you don’t cross on the cricket field,” said Kohli.