In the Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore game, Virat Kohli was observed pleading with the crowd to refrain from booing MI captain Hardik Pandya. But this is not the first time that he has been spotted acting in this way. He was observed urging the crowd to support his opponents, Afghan medium pacer Naveen-ul-Haq in 2023 and Australian batter Steve Smith in 2019, during both World Cups.
Here is how the cricket community responded to his action:
“Virat Kohli’s gesture was very nice for Hardik Pandya. He asked the Wankhede crowd to cheer for Hardik and not boo him. That’s a wonderful gesture from Virat.” Virender Sehwag on Jio Cinema.
“The way Virat Kohli supported Hardik Pandya and told the crowd not to boo Hardik and cheer for him is a sign of a great player and a very good sportsman.” Harbhajan Singh on Star Sports