Steve Smith and Virat Kohli. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: More than a year ago when Virat Kohli was close to calling his Australian counterpart Steve Smith the 'C' word for his sneaky DRS tactics during the Test series at home, the Indian captain was the one who was thought to be taking the issue too far. However, on Sunday, former Indian cricketer L Sivaramakrishnan , who was commenting in that Test series, reiterated the smartness of Kohli on the field.

Reacting to Australia player Cameron Bancroft admitting to ball-tampering and Smith knowing it in advance, Sivaramakrishnan said: "Virat was smart on the field and he saw what Steve was doing during the Test series. Today, his accusation is proven right."

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"Now that Smith is caught, it proves to show that he may have done something in the past as well in India, if not ball tampering ," Sivaramakrishnan said.

Australia, who were cruising at 74 for three while chasing a winning target of 188, suddenly found wanting after India's Umesh Yadav got Smith out for LBW in the Bangalore Test match last year.

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Thereafter, Smith wanted to confirm from the Australian dressing room whether to go for the review or not. At this time, Kohli and his colleague Cheteshwar Pujara spotted Smith committing something which was against the spirit of the game. It was also revealed then that Smith did the offence twice and got away with it.

The fact that ICC has introduced a red card to send off players for the rest of the match for serious misconduct should be used against Smith to immediate effect. Although, the rule says that a red card should be used for threating to assault an umpire or making deliberate physical contacts with match officials and players.

"It should be used for immediate suspension of a player who would be involved in illegal activities like ball tampering. Saving the spirit of the game is of prime importance and that is why Australia should play the ongoing Test with nine players. The situation demands that," Sivaramakrishnan said while adding one-match ban on Smith is too lenient.

