The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli 20% of his match fee and added one demerit point to his disciplinary record for an on-field incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. The incident occurred during the first day of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The altercation unfolded after the 10th over of the Australian innings when Kohli and Konstas were crossing paths, leading to a shoulder bump between the two. Konstas, seemingly annoyed, confronted Kohli before Australian opener Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpire stepped in to diffuse the situation.
Addressing the media, Konstas downplayed the incident, attributing it to the heat of the moment. “Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, that’s cricket and can happen with tension,” Konstas said. Speaking to Channel 7, he added, “I didn’t quite realize, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket. The emotions got to both of us.”
As per the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, the incident falls under Law 2.12, which deals with “Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match.”
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli for his role in the confrontation. “Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” Ponting remarked during Channel 7’s coverage.
Despite the controversy, Konstas made a memorable start to his Test career, scoring a sparkling 60 off 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes. His innings powered Australia to a strong position on the opening day, with the team ending at 311/6 in 86 overs. Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Konstas all scored half-centuries to anchor Australia’s innings.
