Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fees after an incident involving Australian debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day of the Melbourne Test.
The altercation occurred on Thursday, December 26, during the first session of play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Kohli was seen making contact with Konstas, sparking controversy on the field and among cricketing circles.
The incident happened during the break between the 10th and 11th overs of the Australian innings. As Konstas and his partner, Usman Khawaja, were switching ends, Kohli approached the young batter and made shoulder contact.
The episode led to immediate discussions, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was commentating at the time, suggesting that Kohli’s actions seemed deliberate.
However, replays later indicated that while Kohli appeared aware of his movement, Konstas, distracted by adjusting his gloves with his head down, may have unintentionally walked into Kohli’s path.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is responsible for addressing incidents of this nature. A senior ICC source had earlier mentioned that it would be up to the match referee and umpires to review the footage and decide on any disciplinary measures.
Match referee Andy Pycroft assessed the situation and decided to impose a fine on Kohli, sparing him from a potential ban.
Sam Konstas, the Australian debutant, took a sporting approach to the incident. Speaking during the drinks break, Konstas downplayed the altercation and emphasised his focus on the game.
He expressed his excitement about his debut and the intensity of playing against India at a packed MCG. He remarked that incidents like this were part of competitive cricket and should remain on the field.
The laws of the game, governed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), classify “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with another player” as a Level 2 offence.
This category of offences can carry significant penalties, including fines, demerit points, or even suspension. Kohli’s act of shoulder-barging Konstas fell under this provision, but the disciplinary panel chose to issue a financial penalty rather than escalate the matter further.
The incident has brought back memories of similar episodes in the past. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was banned for one Test in 2008 after a shoulder bump against Australian all-rounder Shane Watson during a match in Mohali.
More recently, Jasprit Bumrah received a demerit point for making shoulder contact with England’s Ollie Pope in the Hyderabad Test earlier this year. South African pacer Kagiso Rabada faced a one-match suspension in 2018 for a similar act against Steve Smith.
Had the match referee categorised Kohli’s action as a more severe Level 2 offence, Kohli could have received three to four demerit points. This would have resulted in his suspension from the next Test, scheduled to take place in Sydney.
The decision to limit the penalty to a fine has spared India the challenge of fielding a side without their star batter in the crucial second match of the series.
Virat Kohli’s aggressive style of play and intense on-field demeanour have often divided opinions in the cricketing world. While some see it as a display of passion and commitment, others criticise it as a lack of sportsmanship. Incidents like the one at the MCG highlight the thin line between competitive spirit and misconduct, particularly when international cricket’s reputation is at stake.
Kohli’s actions have also reignited discussions on the role of captains and senior players in setting examples for younger cricketers. As one of the most recognisable faces in global cricket, Kohli’s behaviour on the field is scrutinised closely, making such incidents all the more significant.
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