BCCI defends Virat Kohli in DRS row

08 March, New Delhi

The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) Wednesday defended India skipper Virat Kohli and the team in the Steve Smith controversy and also urged the ICC to take cognisance of Smith’s ‘brain fade’ admission.

Issuing a staement, the BCCI said,”The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after due deliberation and seeing the video replays of the episode steadfastly stands with the Indian Cricket Team and its Captain Mr Virat Kohli.”

” Virat Kohli is a mature and seasoned cricketer and his conduct on the field has been exemplary. Kohli’s action was supported by ICC Elite Panel Umpire Nigel Llong who rushed in to dissuade Steve Smith from taking recourse to inappropriate assistance,” the statement said.

Notably, Aussie skipper Smith’s decision to seek help from the dressing room over the Decision Review System in their second innings of the Bengaluru Test sparked controversy between the two sides.

Smith, who was caught leg before off an Umesh Yadav delivery, was seen looking towards the Australian dressing room, where television replays can be seen.

“BCCI has requested the ICC to take cognizance of the fact that the Australian skipper 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,” the statement added.