Virat Kohli He has been fined before International Cricket Council (ICC) Due to an altercation on the field with the new Australian arrival Sam Constas During the first day of the highly anticipated fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The incident that sparked great controversy occurred after the end of the tenth day of throwing Muhammad Siraj. Kohli, while walking across the field, made physical contact with Konstas, leading to a short but heated exchange between the players.
Details of the incident with Sam Constas
the The accident occurred during an intense and very competitive stage Of the match. India endured a difficult start to the day, with debutant Konstas' aggressive hitting unsettling the Indian bowlers, especially Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. His ability to score at a rapid rate, coupled with the pressure he creates Othman Al Khawaja On the other hand, this has led to growing frustration in India. Kohli, widely regarded as one of the most competitive players in world cricket, was visibly upset by Konstas' approach, which he felt violated the spirit of the game.
As Kohli walked across the field after the play, he appeared to collide with Konstas intentionally, sparking a heated discussion between the players. This act, although brief, sparked sharp reactions from the audience, commentators and fellow players. The incident was not only seen as unsporting, but was also a way for Kohli to express his frustration at what he saw as Konstas' disruptive behaviour.
Read also: Twitter Reactions: Deadlock in Melbourne as Australia and India trade blows on day one of fourth Test
Virat Kohli's Previous Disciplinary Record
Kohli has now been penalized 20% of the match fee and was given one penalty point by the ICC. This is not the first time that Kohli has found himself at the center of disciplinary scrutiny. Throughout his career, Kohli was known for his aggressive behavior on the field. His passion on the field, although often celebrated, led to instances of on-field confrontations and conduct violations. Kohli's demerit point is therefore a reminder of his previous disciplinary record, which resulted in him being fined for similar behavior in the past.
Understand that Virat Kohli has accepted a fine of 20% of his match fee for making physical contact with Sam Konstas. 1st level reprimand and 1 demerit point.
It still needs approval from the ICC, but this is a formality. @SEN_Cricket @1116sen @wwos
– Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 26, 2024
However, this latest breach comes at a crucial juncture in his career, with Kohli increasingly focused on maintaining his mentoring role while promoting the spirit of fair play. His leadership has always been defined by his strength on the field, but this incident added to the controversy surrounding his behavior and the need to balance aggression with sportsmanship.
Reactions from cricket legends
Former cricketers and commentators have weighed in on the incident, with many expressing their disappointment with Kohli's behaviour. Ricky Ponting, one of Kohli's harshest critics, He was frank in his condemnationPointing out that Kohli's actions were “out of line” and deserved punishment. Ponting also added that such behavior is “unacceptable” in modern cricket, where maintaining the integrity of the game is paramount. However, some Indian fans supported Kohli's passion and competitive spirit, arguing that such instances are a normal part of high-pressure cricket, especially in tense, close matches.