Ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri has criticised Virat Kohli for his on-field altercation with Australia's batting sensation Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shastri deemed the incident unnecessary and expressed his disapproval of such behavior.
Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas
The incident involving Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas took place on the first day of the Boxing Day Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The altercation between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas stemmed from the young Australian debutant's initial struggles against Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas attempted several reverse scoops early in his innings, which proved unsuccessful. This prompted laughter from Kohli, who was fielding at the slips.
ALSO READ: ICC punishes Virat Kohli for shoulder tackle episode with Sam Konstas on Boxing Day Test
Undeterred, Konstas responded by attacking Bumrah as he charged India's pace spearhead with some unconventional shots. While the Australian batter continued his aggressive approach, Kohli did not refrain from engaging in verbal exchanges with him.
The situation escalated further in the 10th over when Kohli was seen getting into a shoulder tackle with while moving across the pitch. The shoulder bumping episode turned into a heated exchange of words between the two players. Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough intervened to de-escalate the situation and separate the players.
Virat Kohli has become the subject of much discussion and criticism following his altercation with Sam Konstas. Many observers believe that as a senior player and former Indian captain, Kohli should have shown greater restraint in his interactions with the 19-year-old debutant.
Ravi Shastri lashes out at Virat Kohli after shoulder bumping episode with Sam Konstas
Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri has joined the chorus of critics. Shastri clearly said that Kohli's behavior was unnecessary, given his seniority and past leadership role.
While acknowledging that Kohli may have his own justifications for his actions, Shastri cautioned the batter that match referee Andy Pycroft would be closely monitoring his conduct throughout the match.
"It's unnecessary. Totally unnecessary. You don't want to see that. Virat's a senior player, he's been captain of the side, he'll have his own explanations regarding that, but it's something you don't want to see," Shastri said, speaking on Fox Cricket.
ICC slaps Virat Kohli with hefty fine
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a fine of 20 per cent of his match fee on Kohli following the incident
After Day 1 play, Virat attended the hearing with match referee Andy Pycroft where he admitted to the offence and was hit with 20 per cent of his match fee for the heated altercation episode with Sam Konstas. He has also been handed one demerit point.
Talking about the match, Australia rode on brilliant fifties from Konstas (60), Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Steve Smith (68 not out) to pile up 311/6 by the end of Day 1's play. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowler for India as he chipped in with three wickets with Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar contributing with a wicket apiece.