Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee as a result of a shoulder barge with debutant Sam Konstas at the fall of the latter’s wicket in Melbourne during the fourth Test. The incident occurred just after the 10th over of the Australian innings, with players crossing each other on the pitch. Kohli and Konstas came into contact with each other, an exchange of words happened before Usman Khawaja intervened to cool things down.
Sources close to the development suggest that Kohli has been charged with a Level 1 offence which attracts a fine of 20 percent of the match fee. There had been some speculation among former players that a suspension was possible, but the absence of a Level 2 charge, which is more serious, means Kohli will escape a ban. A Level 2 offence could carry three to four demerit points with four points leading to a suspension for one Test match.
It also falls under inappropriate physical contact, as outlined in the ICC’s Code of Conduct, where it is specified that players may breach this rule if they deliberately or recklessly shouldering with another player or umpire.
After the day’s play, Konstas spoke about the incident, saying that it was an accidental bump. “Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me; that’s cricket, and it can happen with tension,” he said. He further acknowledged the high emotions on the field, saying, “I was doing my gloves, and then there was a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket.”
At the time of the incident, Konstas was batting on 27 and went on to produce a memorable debut performance, getting a stunning fifty before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.
While Konstas downplayed the encounter, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli, suggesting he instigated the confrontation. Ponting, analyzing the replay on Channel 7, said, “Virat walked a whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. I have no doubt the umpires and the referee will review it closely.”
He added that the fielders must not be anywhere near the batsman at such times, adding that Konstas might not have even known that Kohli was there. “That man on-screen there might have a few questions to answer,” he said.
