In a dramatic turn of events during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli found himself in a fiery exchange of words with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. The incident occurred on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, adding another layer of intensity to the highly anticipated series between India and Australia.
Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fees and awarded one demerit point following the altercation for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Clash on field
A heated exchange erupted between Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the end of the 10th over on Day 1 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test after a “shoulder bump” between the two players during the change of sides.
The exact details of their verbal spat remain unclear, but the incident quickly gained attention on social media. Within moments, Konstas’ batting partner Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpire Michael Gough stepped in to defuse the situation.
During the drinks break in the morning session, Konstas spoke abouy the incident saying, “Whatever happens on the field stays on the field. I just love competing and it doesn’t get any better for a debut than this packed stadium.”
The 19-year-old Australian sensation raced to half-century in just 52 balls, becoming the youngest Australian in over seven decades to achieve the feat. He impressed with a blistering 60-run knock, before being eventually dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, who trapped him in front of the stumps.
ICC Rule
According to the ICC rulebook, Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct relates to: “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match.”
According to a press release by the ICC, no formal hearing was needed as Kohli accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft. On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig had levelled the charges.
Reactions from former players
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed that such incidents can be avoided and said, “Really, this can be avoidable. I mean, it’s like you are walking in a busy pedestrian street, and you see somebody coming at you, you just sway away. There’s nothing; it doesn’t make you smaller if you move away. That’s the thing. And you don’t want to see these things on the field. Definitely not.”
“My first instinct, looking at it without seeing the replays, was that both were looking down, so they didn’t see each other coming. Konstas was looking at his bat; Kohli had the ball in his hand, and he was doing something. But with that footage, we’ll see who gets fined more this evening”, he added.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri termed the act as ‘unnecessary’, citing his seniority. “It’s unnecessary. Totally unnecessary. You don’t want to see that. Virat’s a senior player, he’s been captain of the side, he’ll have his own explanations regarding that, but it’s something you don’t want to see,” Shastri said, speaking on Fox Cricket.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned Kohli’s action. “Konstas was going his way. Look at Virat. He has changed direction. Virat is an all-time great. He is vastly experienced. He would look back and say, ‘Why did I do this?'” he said on commentary.
Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting firmly believed it was Kohli’s fault. “Have a look where Virat walks. Virat has walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” he said.
