Former India captain Virat Kohli has been penalised 20% of his match fee for shoulder barge incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas while the ongoing 4th Test between India and Australia was underway in Melbourne. It happened after the 10th over of the Aussie innings when Kohli and Konstas collided in the field. Sources indicate that the verbal exchange heated up to the point that it was only calmed down by an intervention from a teammate of Konstas, Usman Khawaja.
A Level 1 Offence and Fine Handed
Sources indicate that the incident was considered a Level 1 offence and, as such, Kohli was fined 20% of his match fees. The on-field umpires noted the situation and dealt with both players involved in the altercation.
Post the incident, Konstas spoke to the reporters where he downplayed the confrontation saying it was just an accidental bump. “Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, that’s cricket and can happen with tension,” said the 19-year-old. He added that both the players‘ emotions overruled in that particular moment. Konstas, who was batting at 27, continued his innings post the incident, scoring a brilliant half-century on debut before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.
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Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
Ricky Ponting Critiques Kohli’s Role in the Incident
However, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting put the blame back on Kohli, which is that the Indian star created a situation that led to confrontation. Ponting criticized how Kohli moved across the pitch, saying that it is actually Kohli who attempted to walk towards Konstas, which led to the incident. “Look where Virat walks. He walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” said Ponting on Channel 7.
Ponting also added that the umpires and match officials would likely review the situation closely, as he believed fielders should avoid getting too close to the batsman during these moments. Despite the tension, Konstas seemed unaffected, continuing his impressive debut performance.
Kohli’s Reputation and Possible Consequences
While Konstas may have brushed it off as part of the game, the brawl has garnered attention since Kohli has a history of fiery outbursts and this controversy only added to it. The brawl has thus sparked a wider debate regarding disciplinary actions in cricket and senior players ‘responsibility to control their emotions on the field.
The outcome will be much awaited since all eyes are on the review by the umpires, considering that sanctions may continue further, asPonting strongly commented against Kohli.
