Former India captain Virat Kohli has been fined 20 per cent of his match fees after he suffered a shoulder barge incident with debutant Sam Konstas during the India vs Australia fourth Test in Melbourne on Thursday, sources told NDTV. The incident occurred after the 10th over of Australia’s innings while the Australian players were crossing over. Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch. Both players quickly turned to look at each other and exchanged heated words before Konstas’ teammate Usman Khawaja stepped in to separate them.
The on-site referee also spoke with the two people. “Virat Kohli has been charged with a level 1 offence. He has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee,” a source told NDTV. After the incident, many former players predicted that Kohli could be suspended, but that did not happen as he was charged with a level 1 offence. Level 2 violations result in a penalty of 3 to 4 demerit points. If you receive 4 penalty points, you will be suspended for one test.
The ICC’s code of conduct states: “All forms of inappropriate physical contact are prohibited in cricket. If a player knowingly, recklessly and/or negligently walks, runs or rubs shoulders with another player or umpire, he or she may breach this code without restriction. It is stated, “It will be done.”
Kohli and Konstas come together and get in touch. #oswin pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
Speaking to reporters after the stumps on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, Konstas said Kohli bumped into him but it was not intentional.
“Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me. It’s cricket and things can happen when there’s tension,” the teenager said. “I think the emotions got to both of us,” Konstas told ‘Channel 7’ during the second session.
“I didn’t know. I put on my gloves and turned my shoulder a little bit and that’s what happens in cricket,” he added.
Konstas, who was batting on 27 at the time, went on to hit Jasprit Bumrah for two boundaries and a six in the next over. The teenager scored a stunning fifty on debut before Ravindra Jadeja was trapped leg before the wicket.
Konstas may have dismissed it as routine, but former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli for instigating the exchange. He even said that Kohli could face disciplinary action. “Look where Virat walks. He walked the entire length of the pitch to his right and instigated the confrontation. There is no doubt about it,” Ponting said while watching a replay of the incident on Channel 7.
“I have no doubt that the umpires and umpires will take a good look at it. Fielders should not be near the batsman at that stage.
“It seemed to me like Konstas was turning around really late and didn’t even know who was in front of him. The guy on the screen there (Kohli) might have some questions to answer,” Ponting added.
Includes PTI input
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