5 instances when Virat Kohli displayed the spirit of cricket

We all know Virat Kohli's aggressive batting and occasionally brash behaviour on the field. However, there is a true gentleman side to him which does get displayed at times, but people tend to forget about it when they go about criticising the talented Indian batsman.The manner in which Virat Kohli lauded Pakistani paceman Mohammad Amir after his breathtaking spell in the recent Indo-Pak Asia Cup encounter speaks volumes about the kind of character he possesses. This was certainly not the first time that Kohli has put up such an excellent portrayal of the spirit of cricket.There are quite a few on-field moments involving India's current best batsman which show that he is a great rival to play against. Here are 5 instances when Virat Kohli displayed the spirit of cricket:Also read: Asia Cup 2016: India vs Sri Lanka – Live streaming, team news, squad, date, match timings

#1 Bonding with Misbah-ul-Haq in the Champions Trophy

Virat Kohli engages in a friendly chat with Misbah as the two walk off the pitch

The rain-marred encounter between India and Pakistan in the 2013 Champions Trophy made us witness a completely different side of Virat Kohli. During one of the rain interruptions during the Pakistani innings, players from both teams were walking off the field.

Misbah-ul-Haq was among the two batsmen from the Pakistan team who were at the crease at that point. Kohli came from out of nowhere and put his hand around Misbah's shoulder, initiating a friendly chat with him which carried on till the time they were both off the field.

Such moments of friendship are rarely seen in India-Pakistan cricket and it went on show the amount of respect Virat Kohli has for Misbah-ul-Haq.

#2 Showing utmost respect to a retiring Kumar Sangakkara

Kohli says an emotional goodbye to Kumar Sangakkara

Virat Kohli's first full series as skipper of the Indian Test team coincided with Kumar Sangakkara's last as an international cricketer. India lost the final Test at Galle and the two teams met again in Colombo for the 2nd Test, which was Sanga's final one.

Although India's heroics on the field did not make the legendary Sri Lankan batsman's farewell Test a memorable one for him, Kohli's special treatment surely did warm his heart. After Sangakkara was dismissed for 18 in his last Test innings, Kohli shook hands with him and congratulated him on a great career.

After the match ended, the two met once again and this time, the Indian skipper bid the icon an emotional farewell. It was just another example of Virat Kohli showing the spirit of cricket.

#3 Appreciating Shahid Afrdi on a heroic effort

Virat Kohli is all praise for Afridi as both shake hands (Image Courtesy – Dawn.com)

Just like most other India-Pakistan matches, the 2014 Asia Cup encounter was a pressure game and one that went down to the wire. India had put on 245 on the board and Pakistan fought hard to take it to a situation where they needed 10 to win off the last over.

Shahid Afridi was out in the middle and the Pakistanis rode his 18-ball 34 to clinch an exciting 1-wicket victory over their arch rivals. Virat Kohli, who was standing in as skipper in MS Dhoni's absence, seemed to be particularly impressed with Afridi.

Just as the veteran Pakistani all-rounder was celebrating his winning six, Kohli walked up to him and smilingly congratulated him on his stellar effort.

#4 Lauding a cramped-up Faf du Plessis for his performance

A concerned Virat Kohli congratulates du Plessis on a century as he retires (Image Courtesy – Cricbuzz)

India and South Africa played out a thrilling 5-match ODI series last year which went down to the last match for yielding a result. However, a special batting effort from South Africa, particularly Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, floored India completely in the final ODI.

The conditions were quite humid in Mumbai and they took their toll on the visiting batsmen, especially du Plessis. It reached a state when the young batsman could barely walk. Seeing this, he finally decided to retire from the pitch due to cramps.

Just as Faf was about to leave, Virat Kohli went running towards him, asked him if he was fine and proceeded to commend him for his brilliant century.

#5 Acknowledging Brendan Taylor\'s fine World Cup century

Brendan Taylor being appreciated by Kohli for a special knock

Zimbabwe had quite a dismal campaign at the 2015 ICC World Cup with Brendan Taylor's batting being the only bright spot. One of the highlights of Taylor's magnificent showing was a fine century against the Indian team.

Although the effort came during a losing cause, it did help the Zimbabweans post a respectable total on the board. After Brendan Taylor completed his brilliant ton, Virat Kohli was perhaps the first Indian player to come forward and appreciate his beautiful innings in a World Cup game.

It was yet another tremendous display of the spirit of cricket from Kohli, someone who has been found guilty of not adhering to it on occasions.