In a surprising turn of events during the first World Cup 2023 semifinal between India and New Zealand, former Australia pacer Simon O’Donnell expressed his discontent with the Kiwi players helping Virat Kohli when the Indian batter was battling cramps. O’Donnell, known for his no-nonsense approach, raised concerns about the friendly gesture, questioning its appropriateness in a high-stakes World Cup semifinal.
Friendship on Display, but O’Donnell Disapproves
The camaraderie between players from India and New Zealand is well-known, with friendships often extending beyond the cricket field. However, O’Donnell, speaking on SEN Radio, emphasized his disapproval of New Zealand’s actions, particularly when Kohli was facing physical challenges.
Virat Kohli, who marked his 50th ODI century in the match, faced cramping issues during the latter part of his innings. As India was heading for a formidable total, Kiwi players approached Kohli, offering assistance in stretching and even picking up his bat. O’Donnell found fault with this friendly act, especially in the intense setting of a World Cup semifinal.
Expressing his discontent, O’Donnell stated, “I had a problem a couple of times last night. Virat Kohli gets cramp, they’re (India) heading for 400 (runs) and (New Zealand) blokes go over and help him. Why would you go and help Virat Kohli when he had a cramp? When they’re heading for 400. In a World Cup semifinal. 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.”
Former Australia pacer Simon O'Donnell said "Why would you go and help Virat Kohli when he had a cramp? When they're heading for 400, In a World Cup semifinal? He is tearing your country apart, and you want to go over and give him a hand. Virat threw his bat away and one of the… pic.twitter.com/uHZfXV10va
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) November 16, 2023
Friendly Gesture or Overfriendliness?
While it’s not uncommon for players to assist their opponents during moments of physical distress, O’Donnell questioned the appropriateness of such gestures in a fiercely competitive scenario. He argued that being too friendly in a World Cup semifinal, where the stakes are high, might be counterintuitive.
Instances of fielders helping opponents during matches are not unprecedented. MS Dhoni assisting Faf du Plessis in 2015 is a notable example. In the recent match, Ishan Kishan also aided Daryl Mitchell when the New Zealand player faced challenges due to humidity. However, O’Donnell’s critique centers on the extent of friendliness, especially when facing a batter of Kohli’s caliber.
“That’s not a big deal. That’s not outside the spirit of the game. It’s being competitive and saying, ‘Ok, he’s being physically challenged, why are we assisting him to stay physically ok to belt the crap out of us?’ I don’t get it; I just don’t get it. Stuff helping him out, he’s made 50 One-Day hundreds, why help him make the 50th against you in a World Cup semifinal? Give me a spell,” concluded O’Donnell.
Friendship on Display, but O’Donnell Disapproves
The camaraderie between players from India and New Zealand is well-known, with friendships often extending beyond the cricket field. However, O’Donnell, speaking on SEN Radio, emphasized his disapproval of New Zealand’s actions, particularly when Kohli was facing physical challenges.
Virat Kohli, who marked his 50th ODI century in the match, faced cramping issues during the latter part of his innings. As India was heading for a formidable total, Kiwi players approached Kohli, offering assistance in stretching and even picking up his bat. O’Donnell found fault with this friendly act, especially in the intense setting of a World Cup semifinal.
Expressing his discontent, O’Donnell stated, “I had a problem a couple of times last night. Virat Kohli gets cramp, they’re (India) heading for 400 (runs) and (New Zealand) blokes go over and help him. Why would you go and help Virat Kohli when he had a cramp? When they’re heading for 400. In a World Cup semifinal. 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.”
Former Australia pacer Simon O'Donnell said "Why would you go and help Virat Kohli when he had a cramp? When they're heading for 400, In a World Cup semifinal? He is tearing your country apart, and you want to go over and give him a hand. Virat threw his bat away and one of the… pic.twitter.com/uHZfXV10va
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) November 16, 2023
Friendly Gesture or Overfriendliness?
While it’s not uncommon for players to assist their opponents during moments of physical distress, O’Donnell questioned the appropriateness of such gestures in a fiercely competitive scenario. He argued that being too friendly in a World Cup semifinal, where the stakes are high, might be counterintuitive.
Instances of fielders helping opponents during matches are not unprecedented. MS Dhoni assisting Faf du Plessis in 2015 is a notable example. In the recent match, Ishan Kishan also aided Daryl Mitchell when the New Zealand player faced challenges due to humidity. However, O’Donnell’s critique centers on the extent of friendliness, especially when facing a batter of Kohli’s caliber.
“That’s not a big deal. That’s not outside the spirit of the game. It’s being competitive and saying, ‘Ok, he’s being physically challenged, why are we assisting him to stay physically ok to belt the crap out of us?’ I don’t get it; I just don’t get it. Stuff helping him out, he’s made 50 One-Day hundreds, why help him make the 50th against you in a World Cup semifinal? Give me a spell,” concluded O’Donnell.