Virat Kohli’s actions elicited mixed reactions, with Indian fans viewing it as playful banter, while many Australian supporters deemed it unsportsmanlike.
During the third day of the fifth Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), stand-in captain Virat Kohli reignited discussions about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
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Following the dismissal of Australian batsman Steve Smith, Kohli turned to the crowd, emptied his pockets, and mimicked the act of rubbing sandpaper, implying he wasn’t carrying any.
This gesture referenced the 2018 incident in Cape Town, where Australian players were caught using sandpaper to tamper with the ball. Kohli’s actions elicited mixed reactions, with Indian fans viewing it as playful banter, while many Australian supporters deemed it unsportsmanlike.
Kohli‘s on-field behavior has been a focal point throughout the series. In addition to his recent gestures, he has been involved in aggressive exchanges, including a shoulder charge on an Australian debutant Sam Konstas, which have drawn criticism from various quarters.
The match itself remains intensely competitive, with both teams striving for dominance in the concluding Test of the series. Kohli’s actions have added another layer of drama to an already heated contest.
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