Australian cricketer Steve Smith is not happy with the send-off he received from Indian batsman Virat Kohli. Smith was interacting with the commentary team. But, he did not want to blame his interaction with the commentary team was not to blame for his dismissal against India on Tuesday night’s T20 international. But he believed the kind of send-off he received from Virat Kohli is “not really on” once a batsman is dismissed.
Smith was caught by Virat Kohli at cover during Australia’s 37 run loss to India in the first T20 in Adelaide on Republic Day moments after he had been in conversation with Wide World of Sports commentators Mark Nicholas, Ian Healy, and Mike Hussey.
Smith had been interacting with the commentary team throughout that over from Ravindra Jadeja, providing viewers with a first-hand account of the match and his feelings out in the middle.
But, his dismissal led to an aggressive send-off from Kohli and criticism, mainly on social media, that the interaction with Nine had distracted Smith and played a role in him getting out.
But, the 26-year-old has taken full responsibility for losing his wicket, while he also added that Kohli’s behavior was uncalled for.
“No, it was on at the time but for me it was just a bad shot,” Smith told Fox Sports on Wednesday night.
“I tried to chip one over the top for two rather than trying to hit him for four or six.
“So it was my fault and I’ve just got to be better next time.
“(Kohli) gets pretty emotional out there, doesn’t he?
“I don’t think you need to do that kind of thing when someone gets out.
“It’s fine to have a little bit of banter when you’re out in the field, but when someone’s out I don’t really think that’s really on.”
Kohli is one of the better contemporary batsman in World Cricket and has engaged in some light-hearted banter with Australian all-rounder James Faulkner on more than one occasion on this tour.
Speaking last week, the Indian superstar says he doesn’t walk out to bat with a specific plan to engage with the Australian players.
“I just like to make a bit of fun of any kind of argument out on the field,” he said before the Australia Day clash.
“It’s very different from the last few instances (in Australia); this time, it’s been more cheeky and fun statements rather than guys swearing at each other or using bad words. Which I think is fair enough on the field.
“People watching should have some fun as well when they’re watching the game. I think it makes the sport more entertaining.
“There’s no harm in having a little cheeky chat with your opponent sometimes.”