Virat Kohli gets firm backing of BCCI in Smith DRS episode

Team India skipper Virat Kohli was utterly disgusted to see his Australian counterpart Steve Smith indulged in an unexpected behavior on the day 4 of Bengaluru Test. Australia were chasing 188 for the win and skipper Smith held the key to the run chase. A fiery delivery from bowler Umesh Yadav saw him get hit on his pads and the umpire ruled it in the favor of the bowler. Smith moved to his partner Peter Handscomb to discuss before going upstairs for the review.

Soon, both players were seen looking towards the dressing trying to seek some help from the persons sitting their watching the footage already. It was just then when Indian captain Virat Kohli intervened and let his feelings be known to Smith on the episode. Umpire Nigel Llong also walked to Smith and asked him not to violate the DRS rules. Later in the day, Kohli lambasted the Aussie skipper for his actions.

Steve Smith, too, admitted that he had a bit of a brain fade at that moment when he looked upstairs. Now, as per the quotes in Sportskeeda, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come out in total support of Kohli. The board released their statement in regard to the entire episode of events. They mentioned that the actions of Smith were indeed not justified. They stand by the Indian skipper Kohli in the case.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after due deliberation and seeing the video replays of the episode steadfastly stands with the Indian Cricket Team and its Captain Mr. Virat Kohli,” BCCI said in a statement.

“Mr. Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary. Mr. Kohli’s action was supported by ICC Elite Panel Umpire Mr. Nigel Llong who rushed in to dissuade Mr. Steve Smith from taking recourse to inappropriate assistance,” the statement added further.

“BCCI has requested the ICC to take cognizance of the fact that the Australian skipper Mr. Steve Smith in his press conference admitted to a ‘brain fade’ at that moment,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the match referee Chris Broad and the ICC have cleared that Smith will not be punished in this regard as he was stopped by the umpire before he could take the review.