Australia’s 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas, delivered one of the most electrifying knocks in recent memory on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground. His performance clearly rattled the Indian side, culminating in a tense moment during the 10th over when Virat Kohli bumped into Konstas, sparking a heated altercation.
The incident unfolded at the end of the 10th over. After taking a single on the final ball of the previous over, Konstas was walking toward his batting partner, Usman Khawaja, at the non-striker’s end. Kohli, picking up the ball, marched directly toward the young batter, colliding with him and exchanging sharp words.
As the confrontation escalated, Khawaja stepped in, placing an arm around Kohli in an effort to defuse the situation. The on-field umpires quickly intervened, speaking with both players to restore order.
Commentators, including former Indian captain Ravi Shastri, criticized Kohli’s behavior, calling it “absolutely unnecessary.” In the aftermath, Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and handed a demerit point for his actions.
While some Indian fans defended Kohli’s aggression, many expressed disappointment, labeling his actions shameful, particularly as the incident involved a 19-year-old debutant who became the target of the unnecessary altercation.
One comment read, “Kohli should leave such shouldering and pushing to junior players. He’s in the sunset of his career, where you solidify your legacy. The best way to respond is via your bat.”
Others were far less forgiving, with comments like, “Virat Chokli fighting with a 19-year-old kid. What pathetic behavior. He might be a good cricketer, but he can never be a good person. Shameful.”
