An entire day has passed since India won the Bangalore Test, but the big controversy to emerge from the game is still refusing to die down.
After Indian skipper Virat Kohli stopped just short of calling Steve Smith and his Australian cricket team cheaters for regularly seeking the dressing room’s help for DRS appeals. the Indian board has not released a statement backing its players.
In an official statement, the BCCI said, "after due deliberation and seeing the video replays of the episode steadfastly stands with the Indian Cricket Team and its Captain Mr. Virat Kohli.
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 refers to Virat Kohli’s allegations in the post-match press conference that he himself had seen the Aussies look to the dressing room while he was batting at the crease( watch video above). Virat said he had even reported the incident to the umpires in the first three days of the Test.
In the statement, the BCCI also said they had asked the ICC to take note of the incident, considering Steve Smith himself admitted to the slip, calling it a ‘brain fade’.
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.BCCI sincerely hopes that the rest of the matches are played in the true spirit of cricket.BCCI Statament
The next Test between India and Australia starts on March 16 in Ranchi.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)