Explained: Full Controversy Behind Virat Kohli’s Clash With Sam Konstas During Boxing Day Test

India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli has found himself in the middle of a controversy after an unnecessary clash with young Australian player Sam Konstas.

Virat Kohli To Face 1 Match Ban Over Sam Konstas Incident?

On Day 1 of the 4th Test at the MCG, Sam Konstas played brilliantly, even easily hitting top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. In response, Kohli tried a few tactics to unsettle the debutant.

On Thursday, the Indian star appeared to deliberately shoulder-bump Sam Konstas, aiming to unsettle the young batter. However, the move sparked a heated confrontation on the field. Former cricketers like Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan have called for the ICC to take action against Kohli. Reports suggest the ICC will review the incident, given its seriousness.

Watch the video:

An exchange between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas.

– THE BOXING DAY TEST IS HERE.pic.twitter.com/x8O4XCN1Sj

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 26, 2024

What did Sam Konstas say?

During the lunch break, the teenager spoke to 7 Cricket about his clash with his childhood hero.

Konstas replied: “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves. And then a little shoulder charge. But it happens, it’s cricket.”

Ricky Ponting & Michael Vaughan’s Take On The Controversy

“Virat Kohli is your favourite player in the world and all of a sudden you are in the thick of battle out there, he throws a little shoulder. What was being said out there?,” asked Trent Copeland.

Sharing his thoughts on the incident, Ricky Ponting said the umpires and match referee are likely to review Kohli’s actions and take steps against his attempt to provoke aggression.

“Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation,” Ponting said on 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. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together.”

Ponting defended the young Australian, saying the 19-year-old looked up late and couldn’t do much to avoid Kohli’s shoulder push. He said:

“It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn’t even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer,” 

Former England captain Michael Vaughan agreed with Ponting, saying the match referee should take the incident seriously and take action against Kohli.

“I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. 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, and wouldn’t even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer,” Ponting said.

When asked if match referee Andy Pycroft would review the incident, Vaughan replied, “Yes, he would.”

Sam Konstas talking about his incident with Virat Kohli and his batting on debut match. (7 Cricket).

– He said "It was just emotions from both of us, And it happens in Cricket". (On incident with Kohli).pic.twitter.com/bQqR1bLHZU

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 26, 2024

Sam Konstas’ Wikipedia Page Altered After Clash With Virat Kohli

Konstas’ impressive performance and fiery exchanges on the field caused a stir online. Fans humorously edited his Wikipedia page, first calling him the “Father of Jasprit Bumrah” for his batting and later the “Father of Virat Kohli” after their clash. Though moderators quickly fixed the edits, screenshots went viral, sparking memes and praise for Konstas’ fearless cricket.

What the ICC Rulebook Says About the Incident:

The incident falls under Law 2.12: Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match.

The rule further says: ” Note: Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, Players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another Player or Umpire. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made. Level 1 (Level 1 is available only in the case of contact with Players, Player Support …”

The final decision on the incident rests with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft. If Pycroft deems it a Level 2 offense, Kohli could receive 3-4 demerit points, which might lead to a suspension for the next match. However, if it’s classified as a Level 1 offense, Kohli might only face a fine.

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