Quantcast

Smith was going at our junior bowlers: Kohli

Indian superstar offers his version of the events that led to his send-off of Steve Smith in Adelaide

Indian firebrand Virat Kohli has clarified the motivation behind his send-off of Steve Smith during last Tuesday's Australia Day T20 international.

Kohli, who took the catch at extra cover to remove Smith and proceeded to do a talking motion with his hands at the batsman before launching into a verbal barrage, explained to Wide World of Sports between innings in last night's second T20 international that he was unaware Smith was on the microphone with the commentary team.

Watch: Smith commentates, then loses wicket

Instead, Kohli said the reaction came about due to Smith's earlier chatter directed at India's young bowlers, notably 22-year-old debutant Hardik Pandya, who he had earlier hit for four.

"The thing is, this has been taken in the wrong way," Kohli told Wide World of Sports commentator Michael Slater of suggestions he had sledged Smith because the batsman had been distracted by the Nine microphone.

Quick Single: Pandya censured for send-off

"I had no idea he had the mic' on. He was sort of having a go at our junior bowlers after hitting a boundary – he was having a go at them.

"So I told the umpires to keep an eye (on the situation), otherwise I would have to step in.

"They did nothing, and in the end I just told him that he can go talk in the changeroom now.

"The bowlers were telling me, 'He's going at us', but they are not saying anything back.

"It had nothing to do with the commentary – I want to make it pretty clear, because there's been a lot of confusion about it."

Smith discussed the matter prior to the Allan Border Medal ceremony on Wednesday night, taking full responsibility for losing his wicket, while he also added that Kohli's behaviour was uncalled for. 

"It was on at the time but for me it was just a bad shot," Smith told Fox Sports. "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."