Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar wasn’t pleased with the physical confrontation between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas on Day 1 (Thursday, December 26) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 Test in Melbourne. Debuting for Australia, Konstas raced to 27 off just 38 deliveries to propel the team score to 44/0 in 10 overs.
In an apparent attempt to get into the debutant’s head, Kohli barged into the Aussie opener during the break between overs. It led to an altercation between Kohli and Konstas before the umpires and Usman Khawaja intervened and separated the duo.
While there wasn’t conclusive evidence of it being intentional from either player, it appeared like Kohli changed directions and collided with the 19-year-old Aussie opener.
Speaking about the incident during the lunch break, Gavaskar said on Star Sports [via Hindustan Times]:
He continued:
While a fine for both players looks imminent, speculations of a possible suspension for Kohli have been floating around, should his instigating physical contact be proven.
Unfortunately for India, the altercation with Virat Kohli fired Sam Konstas to produce a stunning knock in his debut innings on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test.
The youngster counter-attacked India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and completed a brilliant half-century off just 52 deliveries. Konstas was eventually dismissed for a 65-ball 60 by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja in the 20th over, with Australia’s total at 89.
His blistering display included six boundaries and two maximums and put India on the backfoot in this all-important fourth Test, with the series tied at 1-1. Konstas’ opening partner Khawaja fed off the youngster’s confident stroke play to complete his own half-century before Bumrah dismissed him for 57.
However, India have found no respite since, as Marnus Labuschagne (72*) and Steve Smith (42*) have added an unbeaten 83 for the third wicket to take Australia to a dominant 237/2 in 65 overs.
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