How Virat Kohli’s ugly clash with Sam Konstas could set off another explosive episode in India and Australia’s cricket rivalry
Virat Kohli is likely to avoid a ban following his altercation with Test debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old opener made a memorable start to his first Test, hitting a half-century before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja for lbw for 60 runs.
However, there was an unsavory moment during the first innings when Kohli appeared to bump his shoulder into the New South Wales batsman as he walked back to his crease.
Match referee Andy Pycroft moved quickly to punish Kohli for the incident and reportedly deemed it a level one offence.
It seemed as if Kohli changed direction towards Konstas, who had been unaware of the ex-India captain’s presence.
According to journalist Tom Morris, Kohli had ‘accepted a 20 percent fine for physical contact with Sam Konstas’.
Pictured: The moment Virat Kohli bumped his shoulder into Sam Konstas as the 19-year-old raced to a stunning 60 on debut in the Boxing Day Test
Kohli (second from right) was seen walking towards Konstas before the shoulder charge took place
The ex-India captain then bumped into Konstas on the edge of the wicket, sparking a heated argument
He now receives one penalty point after the altercation.
If the referee felt it was a level two breach of the ICC’s code of conduct regarding inappropriate physical conduct, Kohli could have been suspended for the New Year’s Test in Sydney after being assessed three or four penalty points.
It comes as Kagiso Rabada was ruled out for a similar incident in 2018, which saw South African bowler bump into Steve Smith’s shoulder during a follow-on after dismissing the Australian batsman for lbw.
Rabada received three penalty points for the incident that put him over the threshold for a suspension. His sentence was later overturned on appeal.
Indian coach Abhishek Nayar was pressed about the incident after the match and stated that he was ‘not aware’. I’m not sure yet, but as soon as I know, I’ll let you know.’
Although he claimed he missed the incident, he added: ‘It wasn’t as big as it seems.’
“But you know, when you play a game like that, there’s always going to be emotions. But I’m pretty sure it’s not as big as it seems.’
Konstas, meanwhile, told Fox Cricket: “What happens on the field stays on the field.”
Journalist Tom Morris stated that Virat Kohli had accepted a 20 percent fine for match costs
Konstas (left) exchanged angry words with Kohli (second from right) after the collision.
He also claimed it was an accident.
“I was just putting my gloves on, and I think he accidentally bumped me. That’s just cricket (and) the excitement,” the Australian debutant said.
But other cricket pundits were unconvinced by his comments, with Ricky Ponting and Alyssa Healy slamming Kohli for the move.
“Virat walked a full pitch to his right and caused that confrontation,” Ponting said during Channel Seven’s live broadcast. ‘There is no doubt in my mind.
“I have no doubt that the referees and referee will look at that carefully. Fielders are not allowed to be near the batsman at that stage. Every fielder on the ground knows where the batsmen will converge and congregate.
“It seemed like Konstas looked up very late and didn’t even know there was someone in front of him. That guy there on the screen (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer.”
The incident has the potential to spark further controversy, a week after India fell out with Australian journalists after refusing to answer questions in English at a press conference.
Healy, meanwhile, said the moment was a bad image for Kohli, adding that the Indian superstar appeared to be heading towards the young Australian batsman.
Kohli could have received a much harsher punishment if his bump had crossed the threshold for a level two offence
Konstas, meanwhile, enjoyed an excellent day with bat in hand and was dismissed for 60
Fans took to X to express their frustration over Kohli’s lenient sanction after his clash with Konstas
“I think it’s more disappointing than anything that your experienced player, one of your best players in the country, has visibly reached the youngest player in the opposition,” Healy told Fox.
“It doesn’t really set the best tone for your side, but if that’s the way the Indian team wants to approach it then so be it, but Kontas has no problem with it.”
The sanction has also drawn criticism online, with some fans taking aim at the lenient punishment.
‘Is that it? Games away,” one person wrote on X. Another added: “Of course he gets off easy!”
“Must be more,” said another, while one wrote, “Different rules for India.”
‘How is level one assessed?! The lowest rating for intentional physical contact is level two. That’s a match fee of 50-100 percent or a match.’
Kohli, meanwhile, has been criticized by some online for the incident, with one fan calling him ‘pathetic’.
“If the ICC doesn’t give Virat a holiday with his family in Sydney, we might as well grab our bat and ball and go home,” a fan wrote on X.
‘He changed his line and showed the world that the boy has confused him and his team. Such a shame because the kid absolutely idolizes Kohli.
“Never meet your hero,” he added.