DUBAI: India batter Virat Kohli has been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his on-field altercation with young Australia batter Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The Indian veteran made forceful contact with the 19-year-old debutant, who kicked off his international career in style, at the conclusion of the 10th over.
As the over came to a close, Kohli, clearly displaying his frustration, strode past Konstas and intentionally collided with him shoulder to shoulder, which was followed by a heated exchange of words between the two players.
Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ fellow opener, and umpire Michael Gough quickly stepped in to defuse the tension and restore order on the field.
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The incident was categorized as a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct, leading to Virat Kohli being fined 20% of his match fee and receiving a demerit point for his conduct during the match.
Sam Konstas, undeterred by the incident, belted Indian bowlers around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on his way to a blistering 60 off 65 balls.
During the post-match news conference, Konstas played down the incident, calling it a part of the game.
“I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But that’s just cricket, the tension,” said the teenager, Australia’s youngest-ever opener.
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