Virat Kohli’s Clash with Konstas Could Lead to Ban From Sydney Test

It is on the second day of the Boxing Day Test as India takes on Australia in which Virat Kohli becomes the talk of controversy after he got into a physical fight with Australian newcomer Sam Konstas. This incident took place on the first day of the Test match against the Melbourne Cricket Ground and has left people wondering how Kohli’s conduct should be treated and what consequences it might have.

The incident occurred during the overbreak when Sam Konstas, playing his first Test, was returning to his crease to resume batting with Usman Khawaja.

On crossing each other, Virat Kohli seemed to deliberately shoulder-barge Konstas, which further led to a heated exchange between the two.

However, the on-field umpires and Khawaja managed to calm down the situation, but the match was still full of tension.

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was commentating on the match, was quick to criticize Kohli’s actions.

Ponting suggested that Kohli had intentionally instigated the confrontation, stating, “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever“. Replays seemed to support Ponting’s assessment, showing Virat Kohli veering towards Konstas, who was adjusting his gloves at the time.

Michael Vaughan, another former cricketer, echoed Ponting’s sentiments, emphasizing that such behaviour is unacceptable on the cricket field. Vaughan pointed out that Kohli’s actions could lead to serious consequences under the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct.

According to the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket.

The incident falls under Law 2.12, which reads “Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match“. If Kohli’s actions are considered to be a Level 2 offence, he would receive a one-Test ban that would keep him out of the Sydney Test.

Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024

The match referee, Andy Pycroft will review the incident and he will decide the level of sanctions. If he thinks Kohli is guilty he may give him three to four demerit points which can get him suspended. If this is a Level 1 offence, then it results in a financial penalty.

The ban could impact the series between India and Australia since the Test series is at a 1-1 level, and Kohli’s absence during the Sydney Test might come as a big blow to the Indian side. Virat Kohli, famous for his aggressive and passionate nature while playing the game, is an integral player of India, and leadership along with batting is vital to India’s victory.

As the cricketing world waits with bated breath for the match referee’s decision, this episode is a lesson to recall the importance of sportsman spirit and discipline on the field. Whichever be the decision given to Kohli, he is surely not going to forget the encounter with Sam Konstas that made the already nerve-wrecking Test series a drama-packed one.