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No charges against Indian team after DRS outburst in third South Africa Test

Virat Kohli led India have only been cautioned by Pycroft after there were calls from the cricketing world to impose sanctions on this unusual behaviour

No charges against Indian team after DRS outburst in third South Africa Test PHOTO: REUTERS

India have managed to escape formal charges from the match referee Andy Pycroft on their on-field outburst after a DRS decision went against them in the third Test against South Africa.

According to details, Virat Kohli led India have only been cautioned by Pycroft after there were calls from the cricketing world to impose sanctions on this unusual behaviour.

Pycroft is believed to have told the Indian team management that the players' behaviour was uncalled for and they could attract sanctions if such reactions are repeated.

Remember, the incident took place in the 21st over of the South African run-chase when Marius Erasumas had ruled Elgar lbw off R Ashwin's bowling. The South African captain took a review, and the ball-tracking showed the trajectory of the ball going over the stumps. It neither amused the Indians nor the umpire, who suggested: "that's impossible".

Kohli and others lashed out and can be heard saying demeaning things to broadcaster SuperSport.

R Ashwin was heard saying: "You should find better ways to win, SuperSport", while teammate KL Rahul also joined in: "Whole country playing against eleven guys."

Skipper Virat Kohli further added, "Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball... not just the opposition! Trying to catch people all the time. Certainly conducting a fair game here DRS (sic)," the India captain could be heard as saying.

After the match, Kohli also refused to reflect on the incident as said: "I have no comment to make. I understood what happened on the field and people on the outside don't know exactly what goes on the field. So for me to try and justify what we did on the field and say 'we got carried away... If we would have charged up and picked up three wickets there, that could have been probably the moment that could change the game."

It must be noted that India lost the series 1-2 as South Africa outclassed them by seven wickets in the final Test.