Virat Kohli Escapes Ban After Heated Altercation With Sam Konstas: Here's What Happened.
The former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli was involved in a heated argument with Australian player Sam Konstas during the Test match on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Day 1 of the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne when Kohli was caught in a brief but heated exchange with 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas.
According to reports, Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and given one demerit point for his actions. The incident was considered a Level One offence which resulted in a fine. However, Kohli escaped a ban which would have been the case if he had committed a Level Two offence.
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The altercation occurred after the conclusion of the 10th overbowled by Mohammed Siraj. Kohli was seen shoulder-bumping Sam Konstas while exchanging sides in between overs.
The incident led to criticism of Kohli, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting insisting it was Kohli’s fault.
Kohli deliberately shifted his path to make physical contact with Konstas. 🇦🇺
📹 credit @FoxCricket #AUSvsIND #AUSvIND #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/uuOLYwPE5u— Kamran Ali (@Kam007_tweet) December 26, 2024
Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri also criticised Kohli’s actions, calling them “absolutely unnecessary”.
Ravi Shastri said: Aggression looks good when you score runs but when you are out of form for 5 years, you should be silent and focus on your game. That’s how it is. Teasing others while standing on the verge of retirement is stupidity.
Kohli is degrading Indian cricket.🇮🇳💔 pic.twitter.com/uBajsFcbaa
— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝕏 (@ImHydro45) December 26, 2024
While speaking to Channel 7, Sam Konstas, who had an excellent debut scoring 60 runs off 65 balls addressed the incident, and said “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves and a tap on my shoulder but it happens in cricket.” At the Press Conference, Sam Konstas said that Kohli accidentally bumped him.
Sam Konstas at the Press Conference said ‘Virat accidentally bumped me’ #BGT2024 #BGT #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #MCG #BorderGavaskarTrophy #BoxingDayTest #ViratKohli #SamKonstas #KohlivKonstas pic.twitter.com/nBQpjEJwPH
— shaziya abbas (@abbas_shaz) December 26, 2024
The ICC Code of Conduct states that “any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket.” Kohli‘s actions were deemed to be in breach of this rule, resulting in the fine and demerit point. Social media criticised Virat Kohli’s unnecessary act and deluged the platforms with reactions and comments on the matter.
“He’s completely acted wrong … You can’t do that, you’re just not allowed to do that.”
Former Test captains and cricket greats have condemned Virat Kohli for a startling physical clash with teen Aussie debutant Sam Konstas, which could end the India megastar’s series 😲 pic.twitter.com/jXotJ3Bk4d
— Bunny Bugs 🍇🎸 (@jabhaikamkar) December 26, 2024
