Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has narrowly avoided serious sanctions following an on-field collision with Australia’s 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas during the opening session of the Boxing Day Test. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced late Thursday that Kohli had accepted a fine of 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point for the incident.
The ICC described the incident, which occurred at the end of the 10th over on the first day of the Melbourne Test, as a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Kohli was charged with “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match.”
ICC Statement and Sanctions
In its statement, the ICC confirmed the details of the incident:
“Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and awarded one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred at the end of the 10th over on the first day of the Melbourne Test when Kohli bumped the Australia debutant’s shoulder, which led to a heated exchange between the two players. The other Australian opener Usman Khawaja was seen trying to mediate between the two players.
“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 levelled the charge.”
Expert Reactions and Criticism
Kohli’s conduct drew criticism from several cricketing experts. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on Channel Seven, said,
“Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together.
“It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, wouldn’t even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer.”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri also disapproved of the senior player’s conduct, stating, “There is a line, and you don’t want to overstep that line.”
Konstas Responds
Konstas, who impressed on debut with a flamboyant knock of 60 off 65 balls, downplayed the incident during the post-day press conference.
“I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me,” Konstas said. “I think that is just cricket, just the tension. For me, it’s about having that freedom, backing myself, and trying to bring the best version of myself.”
Konstas showcased unorthodox strokeplay during his innings, confidently taking on Jasprit Bumrah, the series’ leading wicket-taker. His knock was eventually ended by Ravindra Jadeja, who trapped him in front, breaking an 89-run opening stand with Usman Khawaja.
A Heated Contest
Usman Khawaja, batting alongside Konstas during the incident, stepped in to diffuse tensions.
“I turned around and saw them collide. Sammy was fired up, but I just tried to calm things down,” Khawaja told the ABC.
“I’ve known Virat a long time … we’re mates. I told Sammy, ‘Chill. I’ll talk to him. You just focus on the game.’”
India’s assistant coach, Abishek Nair, added his perspective, stating:
“When you play a game like that, there’s always going to be emotions, but I’m pretty sure it’s not as big as it seems.”
Match Summary
Konstas’ impressive debut was part of a strong performance by Australia’s top order. All of the top four batters reached half-centuries, although none converted their starts into big scores. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68 at stumps, guiding Australia to 311/6. Jasprit Bumrah was India’s standout bowler, taking 3 for 75.
As emotions run high in this fiercely competitive Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Kohli’s close brush with suspension highlights the fine balance between passion and sportsmanship on the field. He will be available for the final Test in Sydney, keeping alive the contest’s intensity.
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