Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point following a heated incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test in Melbourne. The incident occurred on Day 1 after the 10th over of Australia’s innings.
What Happened?
As the players switched sides, Kohli and Konstas accidentally bumped shoulders while crossing the pitch. The moment quickly escalated into a verbal exchange, with Usman Khawaja stepping in to diffuse the tension.
On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough intervened, and a charge was leveled against Kohli by the officiating team, which also included third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
Kohli Accepts Sanction
The ICC confirmed that Kohli breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact. Match Referee Andy Pycroft proposed the penalty, which Kohli accepted without a formal hearing.
“Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket,” the ICC stated, clarifying the regulations. Kohli’s action was categorized as a Level 1 offense, avoiding a harsher penalty like suspension, which typically applies to Level 2 offenses.
Konstas Downplays the Incident
Speaking after the day’s play, Konstas dismissed the encounter as a part of cricket.
“Virat accidentally bumped into me. It’s just tension in the game,” the teenager told Channel 7. “I think the emotions got to both of us.”
Konstas, who was batting on 27 at the time, used the encounter as motivation, smashing two boundaries and a six off Jasprit Bumrah in the next over. He went on to score an impressive half-century on debut before being trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja.
Ricky Ponting Points the Finger
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, however, criticized Kohli for instigating the confrontation. “Virat walked an entire pitch’s width to initiate the exchange,” Ponting said on Channel 7. “There’s no doubt the umpires and match referee will scrutinize that closely.”
Ponting added that such behavior is unnecessary and could have resulted in harsher consequences for Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli’s Disciplinary Record
This marks the first offense in Kohli’s disciplinary record in the last 24 months. The ICC’s penalty includes one demerit point, which will remain on his record.
What’s Next?
The Boxing Day Test continues with India and Australia battling for dominance. Both players will need to tread carefully to avoid further disciplinary actions.
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