Team India's batting star Virat Kohli was involved in a heated exchange with Australian opener Sam Konstas during the first day of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). In a video that went viral on social media, Virat Kohli attacked Sam Konstas from his shoulder while the two were passing each other.
Konstas made his debut in the Fourth Test on Thursday 26 December, replacing Nathan McSweeney in the playing XI. He adopted a highly aggressive strategy against India's new bowlers, including the in-form Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas beat Jasprit Bumrah by six goals in just the third game of the match.
Watch: Virat Kohli is involved in a heated exchange with Sam Konstas
The incident occurred during the 10th day of Australia's first innings. Virat Kohli made shoulder contact with Sam Konstas, who was going the opposite way. This led to an exchange of words between Kohli and Konstas. Usman Khawaja intervened to calm things down, while the rulers also intervened.
“Kohli changed the ground to make contact,” former Australian pacer Kerry O'Keefe said on Fox Cricket commentary.
Expert Harsha Bhogle continued, saying: “To be honest, I don’t know what that will achieve… They solved that quickly enough, but I don’t think it was necessary.”
Take a look at the incident here:
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment at the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
Konstas continued to show aggression after the Kohli incident. He went on to score 18 runs in Jasprit Bumrah's next over. The newcomer hit his half-century in front of a packed Melbourne crowd. He scored 60 runs off 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before being dismissed.
Virat Kohli walked the entire field to his right – Ricky Ponting
Australian legend Ricky Ponting criticized Virat Kohli for instigating the confrontation with Sam Konstas. Ponting stated that Kohli walked across the pitch to deliberately provoke the batsman. He said the umpires and umpires were likely to review the incident, adding that Kohli might have some questions to answer.
“Virat walked a full field to his right and instigated that encounter. There's no doubt in my mind at all,” Ricky Ponting said on Seven.
“I have no doubt that the umpires and umpires will take a hard look at that. The fielders must not be near the batsman at that point. Every fielder on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and huddle together.”
“It seems to me that Konstas looked up too late, and he didn't even know there was someone in front of him. That guy on the screen (Kohli) might have some questions to answer,” he added.
“Take a look at where Virat is walking. Virat walked a full field to his right and instigated that encounter. There's no doubt about it in my mind at all.”
– Ricky Ponting #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A
– 7cricket (@7cricket) December 26, 2024
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Sam Konstas in his second over
Rohit Sharma brought in left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja soon after. Jadeja had boxed Sam Konstas in his first over, but the referee ruled that out. However, Jadeja managed to dismiss Konstas the second time.
The left-arm spinner bowled a fuller delivery that slid Konstas, beat his defense and hit it in front of the wicket. The referee took him out immediately. Constas' knock provided Australia with a solid foundation, as they settled well at 112/1 at the end of the first session.
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