Virat Kohli clashes with Sam Konstas: Ponting, Vaughan demand ICC action

Sam Konstas dazzled on his Test debut in Melbourne, unsettling India with bold batting in the Boxing Day Test. The 19-year-old Australian shocked everyone with his fearless reverse-ramp shots against India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. His aggressive approach rattled India early on Day 1, following Pat Cummins’ decision to bat first.

Tensions boiled over when Virat Kohli confronted Konstas after the 10th over. The incident occurred as Konstas walked towards Usman Khawaja after a single off Mohammed Siraj. Kohli, ball in hand, moved directly toward Konstas, resulting in a shoulder bump. Neither player backed down, exchanging heated words before Khawaja intervened to diffuse the situation. The umpires also spoke to both players.

Former cricketers were quick to weigh in. Michael Vaughan called the incident avoidable and suggested match referee Andy Pycroft would likely investigate. “Virat will look back and regret this,” Vaughan commented. Ricky Ponting also criticized Kohli, stating, “Virat deliberately instigated the confrontation by changing direction. No doubt about it.”

Despite the drama, Konstas remained unfazed. He smashed Bumrah for a six and two fours in the following over, racing to a half-century off 52 balls. The New South Wales prodigy attacked India’s premier bowler with audacity, finishing his innings with four fours and two sixes.

Ravindra Jadeja eventually dismissed Konstas for 60 off 65 balls, trapping him lbw in the 20th over. By then, Konstas had set the tone, throwing India’s new-ball bowlers, especially Bumrah, off their rhythm.

Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in the lineup, becoming Australia’s fourth-youngest Test debutant. He’s the youngest since Pat Cummins, who debuted at 18 in 2011.

The clash between Kohli and Konstas added drama to the day, but the debutant’s fearless display stole the spotlight, giving Australia a solid start.