Virat Kohli Fined and Penalized After On-Field Altercation with Australia’s Sam Konstas
India’s Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed a demerit point following a heated incident with Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The altercation took place during Konstas’ bold innings, which frustrated the Indian side. Australia, having opted to bat first after winning the toss, ended the day at 311/6.
Konstas impressed with a spirited 60, joining Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68*) as the day’s half-century scorers in front of a lively crowd of 87,242.
The clash between Kohli and Konstas occurred after the 10th over. As Kohli passed the debutant, the two players collided shoulder to shoulder.
Frustration from Konstas’ aggressive batting seemed to boil over, leading to a brief but heated verbal exchange.
Kohli, visibly agitated, advanced toward Konstas before being restrained by umpire Michael Gough and Australian batter Khawaja, who intervened to calm the situation.
The incident, deemed a Level 2 offence under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) code of conduct for inappropriate or deliberate physical contact, drew criticism from commentators, including former India captain Ravi Shastri, who described Kohli’s behavior as “absolutely unnecessary.”
Konstas, however, remained focused on his game and downplayed the encounter. “Whatever happens on the field stays on the field,” the 19-year-old said. “My job is to compete, and it’s even better with a packed stadium.”
Earlier in the day, Konstas had a shaky start against Jasprit Bumrah, playing and missing several deliveries. However, he quickly found his rhythm, displaying audacious shots, including reverse scoops, as he formed a solid partnership with Khawaja.
His entertaining 65-ball innings ended when he was trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja, leaving Australia at 112/1 by lunch.
Kohli’s confrontation wasn’t the only highlight of the day. Jasprit Bumrah stood out once again, delivering an impressive spell to claim 3/75, continuing his dominance over Australia’s batting lineup throughout the series.
