Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, has been fined 20% of his match fee following a heated exchange with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the 4th Test in Melbourne.
The incident occurred on Thursday after the 10th over of Australia’s innings when Kohli and Konstas collided while crossing paths on the pitch. The two players exchanged words, prompting Usman Khawaja to intervene and diffuse the situation.
On-field umpires addressed the matter immediately, and Kohli was handed a Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct. A Level 1 charge typically involves a fine of up to 50% of the match fee. Although some former players speculated that Kohli might face a suspension, the penalty did not escalate to a Level 2 offence, which requires three to four demerit points and could result in a ban.
The ICC Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits inappropriate physical contact, stating, “Players breach regulations if they deliberately, recklessly, or negligently shoulder another player or umpire.”
Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Konstas downplayed the confrontation. “It was accidental,” said the 19-year-old debutant. “Tensions can run high in cricket, and I think the emotions got to both of us.” He added, “I didn’t realize at first - I was adjusting my gloves - then there was a slight shoulder bump, but it’s part of the game.”
Despite the incident, Konstas displayed remarkable composure, striking two boundaries and a six off Jasprit Bumrah in the subsequent over. He went on to score a half-century on debut before being dismissed leg-before by Ravindra Jadeja.
While Konstas dismissed the collision as routine, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting took a sterner view. Analyzing the replay, Ponting criticized Kohli for initiating the confrontation. “Virat walked across the pitch unnecessarily and instigated the incident,” Ponting said on Channel 7. “Fielders should not be that close to the batsman during such moments.”
Ponting expressed confidence that match officials would review Kohli’s actions, stating, “That man [Kohli] might have a few questions to answer.”
The fiery exchange adds another chapter to Kohli’s history of high-intensity encounters.