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

On the second day of the Boxing Day Test, India faces Australia. Virat Kohli causes a stir after getting into a physical fight with Australian newcomer Sam Konstas. This incident happened on the first day of the Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. People are now questioning how to handle Kohli’s behavior and what the consequences might be.

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 claimed that Kohli sparked the confrontation. He said, “Virat walked a full pitch over to his right and started that clash.” No doubt in my mind whatsoever“. Replays backed Ponting’s view. They showed Virat Kohli moving toward Konstas, who was fixing his gloves.

Michael Vaughan, a former cricketer, agreed with Ponting. He stressed that this behavior is not acceptable on the cricket field. Vaughan said Kohli’s actions might have serious consequences under the 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 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 affect the series between India and Australia. The Test series is tied at 1-1. Kohli’s absence in the Sydney Test may hurt the Indian team.

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.