IND vs AUS, 2024 India tour of Australia: A brief altercation between Virat Kohli and Australian cricketer Sam Konstas grabbed eyeballs on Thursday during the opening day of India vs Australia 4th Test. The clash took place after the 10th over of Australia’s innings when the players were crossing paths on the field. Kohli and Konstas collided shoulders as they moved across the pitch. The two quickly turned around to exchange heated words, with Australian teammate Usman Khawaja stepping in to break up the confrontation. The umpires also intervened and spoke with the players.
Reflecting on the incident, Konstas later told Channel 7 that the players’ got the best of their emotions. He explained that he was adjusting his gloves when he felt the shoulder bump, but then downplayed the incident saying that it happens in cricket.
At the time, Konstas’ score was at 27 and responded by hitting Jasprit Bumrah for two boundaries and a six in the following over. He went on to score a brilliant debut fifty before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, who trapped him via lbw.
While Konstas played down the incident, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was quick to blame Kohli for instigating the confrontation. He pointed out that Kohli had deliberately crossed the entire pitch to approach Konstas and trigger the altercation.
India vs Australia 4th Test Boxing Day: What led to Kholi-Konstas altercation?
Australian Debutant Sam Konstas stunned India with his fearless and inventive batting on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. His bold approach, charging down the pitch and reverse-ramping the mighty Jasprit Bumrah, left the Indian team rattled after Pat Cummins chose to bat first in the fourth Test.
After taking a single off Mohammed Siraj’s last delivery, Konstas removed his gloves and began walking toward his batting partner, Usman Khawaja, at the other end. Meanwhile, Kohli picked up the ball and started moving deliberately towards Konstas. Neither player changed their path, and they ended up colliding. Kohli turned around and exchanged some words with the young Australian, and Konstas responded in kind. Khawaja quickly stepped in, putting his arm around Kohli to separate the two. The umpires also intervened, speaking to both players.