Virat Kohli is likely to avoid a suspension following his altercation with Test debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old opener enjoyed a memorable start in his first Test, advancing a half-century before being dismissed lbw by Ravindra Jadeja for 60 runs.
However, there was an ugly moment during the first innings where Kohli appeared to shoulder-bump the New South Wales batsman as he walked back to his crease.
Match referee Andy Pycroft acted quickly to punish Kohli for the incident, deeming it a level one offence.
Kohli appeared to change the direction of his walk towards Konstas, who was unaware of the former India captain’s presence.
According to journalist Tom Morris, Kohli had “accepted a penalty of 20 percent of the match fee for physical contact with Sam Konstas.”
Pictured: The moment Virat Kohli shoulder-bumps Sam Konstas as the 19-year-old raced to an impressive 60 on his Boxing Day Test debut.
Kohli (second from right) had been seen walking towards Konstas before the shoulder charge occurred.
The former India captain then collided with Konstas on the edge of the wicket, sparking a heated exchange.
You will now receive a demerit point after the altercation.
Had the umpire deemed this a level two breach of the ICC code of conduct regarding inappropriate physical behaviour, Kohli could have been suspended for the New Year’s Test in Sydney, after receiving three or four points. of demerit.
It comes as Kagiso Rabada was suspended for a similar incident in 2018, in which the South African bowler collided with Steve Smith with his shoulder during a follow-through after dismissing the Australian batsman lbw.
Rabada received three demerit points for the incident that took him over the threshold for a suspension. His sentence was later overturned on appeal.
Indian coach Abhishek Nayar was pressed about the incident after the match and stated that he was “not aware”. I’m not sure yet, but once I know I’ll let you know.
Although he claimed he missed the incident, he added: “It wasn’t as big as it seems.”
“But you know, when you play a game like that, there will always be emotions. But I’m pretty sure it’s not as big as it seems.
Konstas, meanwhile, told Fox Cricket: “Everything that happens on the field stays on the field.”
Journalist Tom Morris stated that Virat Kohli had accepted a fine of 20 percent of the match fee.
Konstas (left) exchanged angry words with Kohli (second from right) after the clash.
He also claimed it was an accident.
“I was putting on my gloves and I think it accidentally bumped into me. That’s just cricket (and) tension,” said the Australian debutant.
But other cricket experts were not convinced by his comments, with Ricky Ponting and Alyssa Healy criticizing Kohli for the move.
“Virat walked an entire field to his right and instigated that confrontation,” Ponting said during Channel Seven’s live broadcast. I have no doubt.
“I have no doubt that the referees and the referee will see it well.” The fielders should not be anywhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fielder on the field knows where the batsmen will congregate and assemble.
‘It seemed to me that Konstas looked up very late, without even knowing that there was someone in front of him. That man on screen (Kohli) might have some questions to answer.’
The incident has the potential to spark even more controversy, a week after India fell out with Australian journalists after refusing to answer questions in English during a press conference.
Meanwhile, Healy said the moment was a bad look for Kohli, adding that the Indian superstar appeared to go straight for the young Australian batsman.
Kohli could have received a much harsher penalty if his knock had been deemed to be above the threshold for a level two offence.
Konstas, for his part, enjoyed an excellent day with bat in hand, being dismissed for 60
Fans took to X to express their frustration at Kohli’s lenient penalty following his knock against Konstas.
“I think it’s more disappointing than anything else that their experienced player, one of the best players in the country, has visibly gone straight at the opposition’s youngest player,” Healy told Fox.
“It doesn’t really set the best tone for your team, but if that’s the way the Indian team wants to approach it, so be it, but it didn’t faze Kontas in the least.”
The sanction has also drawn a lot of criticism online, with some fans criticizing the lenient punishment.
‘That’s all? “The games are over,” wrote one in X. Another added: “Of course he gets away with it!”
“There should be more,” said another, while one wrote: “A different set of rules for India.”
‘How is it classified as Level One?! The lowest rating for intentional physical contact is Level Two. Which means a match rate of 50 to 100 percent or one match.
Meanwhile, Kohli has been criticized online for the incident, with one fan calling him “pathetic”.
“If the ICC doesn’t give Virat a holiday with his family in Sydney, then we better pack up our bat and ball and go home,” wrote one fan on X.
‘He changed his line and showed the world that the kid had shaken him and his team. It’s a shame that the kid absolutely idolizes Kohli.
“Never meet your hero,” he added.