Indian cricketer Virat Kohli found himself in the spotlight following an altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG. Kohli, who was seen intentionally bumping shoulders with Konstas, faced criticism from several former cricketers.
The clash occurred when Kohli, walking towards the other end of the pitch, collided with the 19-year-old Australian debutant after the 10th over of the opening session. The two exchanged words before the umpire intervened.
Kohli was subsequently fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct. However, Konstas and his family appeared to take the incident in stride.
In a light-hearted moment, Konstas was seen imitating the shoulder bump in front of fans at the MCG, with his brother, Billy, addressing the controversy during the match.
“I didn’t mind it – it added a bit of a spectacle to cricket, a bit of rugby league action going on in the cricket space,” Billy said. “Out on the field, Sam has got such a hard exterior, but off the field, he’s such a humble guy.”
The situation further seemed to be forgotten by both parties, as Kohli posed for photographs with Konstas’ brothers at a charity event hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on New Year’s Day.
The event, held at Kirribilli House in Sydney, was part of the Glenn McGrath Foundation’s celebrations, ahead of the fifth and final Test match of the series in Sydney.
Billy Konstas shared a picture of him and Kohli, both smiling and holding their thumbs up, with the caption: “Happy New Year! Thanks to Prime Minister Mr Albanese for his hospitality as well as celebrating the McGrath Foundation.”
Kohli and the Konstas brothers were also joined by Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for another photo.
The fifth Test of the series, scheduled for January 3-7 at the SCG, remains crucial for both teams, with India needing a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Australia only requires a draw to claim the title.
