Irfan Pathan has criticized Virat Kohli for making physical contact with Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 fourth Test. He pointed out that the likes of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist used to sledge him a lot when he was a youngster but never touched him.
Konstas scored 60 runs off 65 deliveries on debut as Australia posted 311/6 in their first innings in Melbourne on Thursday, December 26. Kohli shoulder-barged the 19-year-old during an over break, which led to a slightly heated discussion between the duo.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan was asked about his thoughts on the Kohli-Konstas incident.
The former India all-rounder added that Indian fans wouldn’t have liked it had Steve Smith made similar contact with one of their debutants.
Irfan Pathan pointed out that the contact was avoidable because Virat Kohli had changed his angle of approach. He added that it’s better if the aggression is shown by staying far.
In the same discussion, Sunil Gavaskar concurred with Irfan Pathan’s views.
The former India opener expressed hope that Virat Kohli wouldn’t be banned because of the incident.
Kohli escaped a ban for the incident. He has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and awarded one demerit point.
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