Leading up to the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, Steve Smith has weighed in with significant praise for India’s batting maestro, Virat Kohli. The quadrennial event is set to kick off on October 5, commencing with the defending champions, England, facing off against the previous edition’s runners-up, New Zealand, at the renowned Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. This edition of the tournament mirrors the format used in the 1992 and 2019 World Cups, featuring ten formidable teams, each engaged in head-to-head contests, all vying for the coveted top four positions.
Steve Smith’s resounding acclaim for Virat Kohli
Two luminaries of the cricketing world, Kohli and Smith, have both left an indelible mark on the sport. They have each clinched the coveted ODI World Cup trophy once before – Virat Kohli in 2011 in India and Steve Smith in 2015 on Australian soil. Their stellar performances played pivotal roles in securing their respective teams’ triumphs.
In a recent interview with Star Sports, Smith didn’t hold back his admiration for Kohli. He lavished praise on the Indian batting maestro, labeling him an “extraordinary” player known for his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes encounters.
“Virat Kohli is an incredible player. He always step up and delivered in big games. He has done it again and again for India in big games – there are not many bigger players than Kohli,” Smith Said.
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Kohli’s gesture amidst Smith’s controversy
Smith has also fondly recounted a heartwarming gesture from the Indian cricket superstar during the previous edition of the 50-over tournament in England, 2019.
Notably, Smith found himself at the centre of the ball-tampering controversy during Australia’s Test tour of South Africa in 2018. This incident led to his suspension from the game for a year. Upon his return to international cricket, the 34-year-old faced a barrage of boos from spectators during the prestigious event held in England. In a particularly heated encounter against India, as Smith fielded at the third-man position, fans in the stands chanted “cheater” repeatedly.
However, in a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Kohli, who was at the crease, urged the crowd to set aside their animosity and cheer for Smith instead. This gesture underscored Kohli’s commitment to fair play and his deep respect for the spirit of the game.
“It was a very nice moment from Kohli in the 2019 World Cup, crowd was booing me and he told the crowd to just support him, What is wrong with him. That was great from Virat, really appreciate it,” the Kogarah-born cricketer concluded.
India’s quest to break the ICC title drought in ODI World Cup 2023
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates this thrilling showdown, the Indian cricket team is in full preparation mode to face off against Australia in their opening match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The date for this highly-anticipated contest is October 8, and the venue is the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Under the astute captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the “Men in Blue” are determined to break their decade-long ICC title drought and replicate their heroics from the 2011 ODI World Cup. The hopes of a cricket-crazy nation ride on their shoulders, and fans worldwide eagerly await the spectacle that is sure to unfold.
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