Virat Kohli is likely to avoid a suspension after his altercation with Test debutant Sam Constas at the MCG on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old opener had a memorable start in the first Test, hitting a half-century before being dismissed LBW by Ravindra Jadeja for 60 runs.
However, during the first innings there was an unpleasant moment when Kohli appeared to bump his shoulder into the New South Wales batsman as he returned to the crease.
Match referee Andy Pycroft reportedly moved quickly to punish Kohli for the incident, which was deemed a level one offence.
Kohli appeared to change his direction of walking towards Constas, who was unaware of the former India captain’s presence.
According to journalist Tom Morris, Kohli “accepted a 20 per cent match fee penalty for physical contact with Sam Constas”.
In Pictures: The moment 19-year-old Virat Kohli bumps shoulders with Sam Constas as he scores a stunning 60 on debut in the Boxing Day Test.
Kohli (second from right) was seen walking towards Constance before the shoulder charge took place.
The former India captain then collided with Constas at the edge of the wicket, sparking a heated exchange.
This altercation results in him being given one demerit point.
If the umpire had deemed it to be a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct regarding inappropriate physical conduct, Kohli would have been given a three or four point deduction and suspended from the New Year Test in Sydney. It is possible that
This comes after Kagiso Rabada was suspended for a similar incident in 2018. The South African bowler bumped his shoulder into Steve Smith during his follow-through after dismissing the Australian batsman LBW.
Rabada was given three demerit points for the incident, which exceeded the threshold for suspension. His penalty was later reversed on appeal.
Asked about the incident after the match, India coach Abhishek Nayar said he was “not aware” of the incident. I don’t know yet, but I’ll let you know when I find out. ”
He claimed to have missed the incident, but added: “It wasn’t as big as it seemed.”
“But there’s always emotion involved when you play a game like that. But I’m sure it’s not as big as it seems.”
Meanwhile, Constas told Fox Cricket: “Whatever happens on the field, it stays on the field.”
Journalist Tom Morris said that Virat Kohli accepted a penalty of 20 per cent of his match fee.
Constas (left) and Kohli (second from right) exchange angry words after the collision
He also claimed it was an accident.
“I was just putting on my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped into me. It’s just cricket (and) nerves,” the Australian debutant said. .
However, other cricket pundits were not convinced by his comments, with Ricky Ponting and Alyssa Healy condemning Kohli’s move.
“Virat walked a whole pitch to the right and incited a confrontation,” Ponting said during a live broadcast on Channel 7. “There is no doubt in my mind.
“There is no doubt that the umpires and umpires will have a good look at it. Fielders should not approach the batsmen at that stage. All fielders on the ground should be aware of where the batsmen are congregating and gathering. I know.
“It seemed to me that Constas was really slow to wake up and didn’t even realize there was a person in front of him. That guy on screen (Kohli) has some answers to give. You may have questions.”
The incident could spark further controversy a week after India feuded with an Australian journalist for refusing to answer questions in English during a press conference.
Healy, on the other hand, said the moment was a bad image for Kohli, adding that it looked like the Indian superstar was making a beeline for the young Australian batsman.
Had Kohli’s bump been deemed to have exceeded the threshold for a Level 2 offence, Kohli could have been given a stiffer penalty.
Constas, on the other hand, had a great day with the bat despite being dismissed after 60 games.
Fans vent their frustration on Kohli’s lenient sanction after clash with Constas on X
“I think it’s more disappointing than anything that an experienced player, one of the best players in the country, visibly scored a goal against the youngest player on the opposing team,” Healy told FOX. Ta.
“It doesn’t give your team a great vibe, but if that’s the way the Indian team wants to approach it, then so be it. But it didn’t faze Kontas one bit.”
The sanction has also met with a lot of criticism online, with some fans criticizing the lenient punishment.
“Really? Game is gone,” one person wrote to X, while another added: “Of course he got off lightly!”
Another said: “There should be more,” and one wrote: “India needs different rules.”
“How is Level 1 graded?!” The lowest grade for intentional physical contact is Level 2. Match fees and match fees range from 50-100%. ”
Meanwhile, Kohli has been criticized by some online for the incident, with one fan calling him “pathetic”.
“If ICC doesn’t give Virat a holiday with his family in Sydney, he might as well pack up his bat and ball and go home,” one fan wrote on X.
“By changing his lines, he showed the world that the kid is upsetting him and his team. It’s such a shame because the kid absolutely adores Kohli.
“‘Never meet your heroes,'” he added.
