Virat Kohli faced criticism on Thursday from several cricket legends after appearing to deliberately bump shoulders with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test.
The incident occurred after the 19-year-old opener smashed an impressive 60 off 65 balls, dominating the Indian bowlers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kohli made forceful contact with Konstas, sparking a heated exchange between the two players. Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ fellow opener, and umpire Michael Gough intervened to diffuse the situation.
“Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation,” Ricky Ponting remarked on Australia’s Channel Seven. “No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that.”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri described Kohli’s actions as “absolutely unnecessary” on Fox Sports. “Virat’s a senior player, he’s been captain… he’ll have his own explanations with regards to that, but it’s one thing you don’t want to see,” he added. “One person who will be watching, his eyes locked into the proceedings, is (match referee) Andy Pycroft.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) prohibits physical contact between players, and the governing body could impose fines or demerit points on Kohli.
Michael Vaughan, former England captain, also criticized Kohli’s behavior. “I don’t know why a senior pro who’s played for so long… why he’s been rattled by a 19-year-old. Sam Konstas did absolutely nothing wrong there,” he said during commentary in Australia.
Konstas, who replaced Nathan McSweeney in the lineup, downplayed the incident in a post-match press conference. “I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But that’s just cricket, the tension,” said the teenager, Australia’s youngest-ever opener.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
