Former Australian Star Questions New Zealand’s Decision to Assist Virat Kohli with Cramp

Former Australian pacer Simon O’Donnell has criticized New Zealand’s decision to help Virat Kohli when he was suffering from cramps during the World Cup semifinal. Kohli, who scored his 50th ODI century during the match, was seen struggling with cramps while batting. Some New Zealand players chose to assist him, a gesture that O’Donnell found problematic.

O’Donnell, who played 87 ODIs for Australia as a pace bowler, expressed his concern on Sen Radio, saying, “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.”

Although it is uncertain whether New Zealand’s assistance affected the final outcome of the match, O’Donnell firmly believes that the Kiwi players should not have approached Kohli when he was cramping. He added, “Under no circumstances should you have gone within 20 meters of Virat Kohli when he had a cramp. He (Virat) threw his bat away and one of the Kiwis went and picked it up. ‘Go and pick your own bat up while you’ve got a sore hamstring and a cramp. Stop hitting us for sixes and fours.'”

O’Donnell understands the competitive nature of the game but argues that helping Kohli, who has already achieved 50 One-Day hundreds, make his 50th century against New Zealand in a World Cup semifinal is questionable. He concludes, “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.”

During the same match, India opener Shubman Gill retired hurt due to cramps, highlighting the physical challenges faced by players. The assistance given to Kohli by the New Zealand players has sparked a debate about the spirit of the game and the line between competitiveness and sportsmanship.

(Note: This article has been rewritten and is based on a syndicated feed. The headline has not been edited by NDTV staff.)