Virat Kohli's Bold Gesture at SCG: A Nod to the Sandpaper Scandal
During Australia’s second innings on Day 3 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Virat Kohli stole the spotlight with a cheeky response to the crowd. Reacting to taunts from Australian fans, Kohli turned his pockets inside out and pulled at his waistband to show he had nothing hidden—a clear reference to the infamous 2018 sandpaper scandal in Cape Town.
This act mimicked the controversial moment when Australian player Cameron Bancroft was caught concealing sandpaper in his underwear during a ball-tampering incident. Kohli’s playful yet pointed response stirred reactions both on and off the field.
Interestingly, Kohli has previously stood for sportsmanship. In the 2019 ODI World Cup, he defended Steve Smith, urging Indian fans to cheer rather than boo the Australian cricketer, who was returning from a ban following the scandal. Kohli later won the ICC Spirit of Cricket award for that gesture, emphasizing the importance of respecting players despite rivalries.
Kohli’s actions highlight his ability to address controversies with both humor and integrity, keeping cricket fans engaged and sparking conversations about the spirit of the game.