<\/p>\n
Former Australian all-rounder Simon O\u2019Donnell<\/strong> sparked controversy as he scrutinized New Zealand<\/strong>\u2018s display of sportsmanship during Virat Kohli<\/a>\u2018s cramping incident in the ODI World Cup 2023<\/strong> semi-final against India<\/strong> in Mumbai\u2019s Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, November 15.<\/p>\n Kohli, achieving his historic 50th ODI century, grappled with cramps in the latter part of his innings. The Mumbai heat took its toll, leading Kohli to momentarily go down, where Kiwi players extended assistance, even picking up Kohli\u2019s bat.<\/p>\n O\u2019Donnell voiced his concerns, contending that aiding an opponent, especially one in such good form, could be perceived as contrary to the competitive spirit of the game. He emphasized that allowing Kohli to independently manage his cramps would have adhered more closely to the spirit of the game.<\/p>\n \u201cI had a problem a couple of times last night. Virat Kohli gets cramp, they\u2019re heading for 400 and blokes go over and help him. Why would you go and help Virat Kohli when he had a cramp? When they\u2019re heading for 400. In a World Cup Semi-Final. Spirit of the game is playing within the laws. Virat Kohli is tearing your country apart and you want to go over and give him a hand,\u201d <\/em>O\u2019Donnell was quoted as saying by The Times Of India.<\/p>\n O\u2019Donnell further criticized New Zealand for seemingly contributing to Kohli\u2019s milestone, suggesting that a more competitive approach might have been preferable.<\/p>\n \u201cHe threw his bat away and one of the Kiwis went and picked it up. Go and pick your own bat up while you\u2019ve got a sore hamstring and a cramp. Stop hitting us for sixes and fours. That\u2019s not a big deal. That\u2019s not outside the spirit of the game. It\u2019s being competitive and saying, \u2018Ok, he\u2019s being physically challenged, why are we assisting him to stay physically ok to belt the crap out of us? I don\u2019t get it, I just don\u2019t get it. Stuff helping him out, he\u2019s made 50 One-Day hundreds, why help him make the 50th against you in a World Cup Semi-Final? Give me a spell,\u201d<\/em> the 60-year-old concluded.<\/p>\n Kohli\u2019s noteworthy innings of 117, laced with nine fours and two sixes, significantly contributed to India\u2019s commanding total of 397\/4. This, combined with Mohammad Shami<\/a>\u2018s remarkable seven-wicket haul during New Zealand\u2019s innings, ultimately secured India\u2019s victory by a margin of 70 runs and propelled them into the final of the World Cup.<\/p>\nVirat Kohli\u2019s herculean effort and assistance from New Zealand<\/h2>\n
Simon O\u2019Donnell criticizes New Zealand\u2019s gesture to Kohli<\/h2>\n
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023: England legend Nasser Hussain reveals Team India\u2019s \u2018genuine hero\u2019 after emphatic win over New Zealand in 1st semi-final<\/a><\/h3>\n
O\u2019Donnell demands a more competitive approach from New Zealand<\/h2>\n
India\u2019s triumph and Mohammad Shami\u2019s heroics<\/h2>\n
Also READ: Australia\u2019s Travis Head opens up about his plans and considerations for IPL 2024<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n