Former Indian captain Virat Kohli faced disciplinary action from the ICC after clashing with Australian opener Sam Konstas during the first day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Boxing Day Test. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point for his unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Incident
The altercation occurred after Konstas played a series of impressive shots against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. In an apparent attempt to disrupt the young batter’s focus, Kohli exchanged verbal jabs and deliberately bumped into him on the pitch.
The act was widely criticized by fans and cricket experts alike, who expressed disappointment over Kohli’s unsporting behavior. Australian batter Usman Khawaja attempted to de-escalate the situation with a smile and a friendly pat on Kohli’s shoulder. Match officials also intervened to calm tensions.
Konstas Holds His Ground
Despite the on-field confrontation, Konstas remained undeterred, showcasing his composure by scoring a confident half-century off 52 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 60 runs off 65 deliveries, trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja.
ICC’s Action
The ICC’s swift decision to penalize Kohli underscores its commitment to maintaining discipline and sportsmanship in the game.
This isn’t the first time Kohli’s on-field aggression has landed him in trouble, but the incident has reignited debates about the responsibilities of senior players in setting examples for younger teammates and fans.
