The high-stakes rivalry between India and Australia took a dramatic turn during the opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). A heated moment unfolded between Virat Kohli and Australia’s 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas, after a shoulder-to-shoulder collision on the field.
Australia, batting first after winning the toss, reached a strong 112/1 by lunch. Konstas impressed with a fearless 60 off 65 balls. However, tension escalated during the 10th over when Kohli, while walking past Konstas, collided with the young batter. The incident led to a verbal exchange, with Kohli visibly irritated and attempting to confront Konstas further.
Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja intervened, defusing the situation by placing a calming arm around both players. However, the altercation didn’t go unnoticed.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on Channel Seven, remarked, “Virat walked across the pitch and instigated that.” Meanwhile, ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan, on Fox Cricket, predicted scrutiny for Kohli under the ICC Code of Conduct. “It’s Kohli that moves off line and makes contact with Sam,” Vaughan noted.
Possible ICC Action
Match referee Andy Pycroft is expected to review the incident to determine whether it constitutes a breach of the ICC’s Code of Conduct. The Code explicitly prohibits inappropriate physical contact, whether intentional or reckless.
If deemed a Level Two offence, both Kohli and Konstas could face serious penalties, including three or four demerit points. Accumulating four demerit points could lead to a suspension, potentially ruling the player out of the upcoming New Year’s Test in Sydney. A Level One offence, on the other hand, would result in a lighter punishment, such as a fine.
The situation draws parallels to Kagiso Rabada’s 2018 incident, where the South African pacer was penalized for making contact with Steve Smith, only to have the decision overturned on appeal.
The incident has reignited debates on the fine line between passion and unsportsmanlike conduct in cricket. As fans await the match referee’s verdict, all eyes remain on Kohli and his next move in the series.
