Virat Kohli fined for shoulder barge incident with Sam Konstas during Boxing Day Test | Watch Video
PTC Web Desk: Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee for a shoulder barge incident involving Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test in Melbourne on Thursday. The incident occurred after the 10th over of Australia’s innings when the two players collided while crossing over the pitch.
Both Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas turned around immediately, leading to a heated exchange of words before Australian batter Usman Khawaja intervened to de-escalate the situation. On-field umpires also had a word with the players, but no further action was taken on the field.
Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact ????#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
“Virat Kohli has been slapped with a Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct and fined 20% of his match fees,” said sources. The penalty has spared Kohli from suspension, as Level 1 offences carry lighter penalties compared to Level 2 offences, which result in three to four demerit points and potential suspension for one Test.
The ICC Code of Conduct prohibits inappropriate physical contact in cricket, describing it as deliberate, reckless, or negligent physical interaction with another player or umpire.
Speaking to the media after the day's play, Konstas described the incident as unintentional.
Konstas, who was batting on 27 at the time of the incident, displayed remarkable composure as he went on to score a brilliant half-century on debut. His innings ended when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him leg-before-wicket.
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, however, criticised Kohli for instigating the incident. Ponting claimed that Kohli deliberately walked into Konstas’ path.
"Virat walked across the pitch unnecessarily and instigated the confrontation. Fielders should not be anywhere near the batsman in such situations," Ponting said, adding that the incident warranted further scrutiny by match officials.
- With inputs from agencies
