Virat Kohli fined for collision with Sam Konstas in Boxing Day Test, why wasn’t he suspended, ICC investigation, video, reaction, what happened

Indian veteran Virat Kohli avoided a ban after making heavy contact with Australian debutant Sam Konstas in the opening session of the Boxing Day Test.

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Kohli was fined 20 percent of his match fee and given a demerit point for the incident.

“No formal hearing was required as Kohli accepted the sanctions suggested by referee Andy Pycroft. Field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig settled the charge,” the ICC said.

Konstas and the Indian staff were trying to calm the situation surrounding the incident that saw Indian legend Konstas shouldered on Thursday morning after being stumped on the first day.

Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said at a post-match press conference that he was not sure if the report was true.

“I’m not aware. I’m not sure yet. But as soon as I know, I will let you know,” he said.

He also said that he overlooked the incident in the middle but believed that “it was not as big as it seems.”

“As we were outside talking about something completely different, I don’t know what happened, why it happened and if anything happened,” he said.

“But you know, when you play a game like that, there will always be emotions. But I’m pretty sure it’s not as big as it seems.”

During a break in play, Konstas told Fox Cricket that it was no big deal and reiterated that stance after stumps when he described it as an “accident”.

“I was putting my gloves on and I think he accidentally bumped into me. That’s just cricket (and) the excitement,” he said.

Konstas’ opening partner Usman Khawaja told the ABC that he was able to use his good relationship with Kohli at the time to defuse the situation.

“I have known Virat for a long time. He came to the academy when I was under 19, so I’ve known him for a long time,” he said.

“We’ve been friends for a long time, so he said (to Konstas): ‘Relax.’ Cool. Strike away. I’ll talk to him and sort it out.'”

Ten overs into the annual MCG blockbuster, Konstas had already made his mark on the international stage after catapulting superstar Jasprit Bumrah to the boundary – and beyond.

But having previously ridiculed the New South Welshman for his flare stroke play over overs, Kohli’s tone and demeanor changed very quickly as the Aussies gained the upper hand.

After quickly tapping Mohammed Siraj to end the tenth over, Konstas turned to the middle of the pitch to chat with opening partner Usman Khawaja.

But completely unnoticed by Konstas, Kohli made his way to him as he was not ready to change his path.

The two collided, leading to a confrontation in the middle in front of a crowd of nearly 90,000 people.

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Pundit Harsha Bhogle himself said on Fox Cricket after the moment: “To be honest, I don’t know what the point is… they solved this quick enough but I don’t think it was necessary.”

Australia women’s team captain Alyssa Healy said Kohli’s actions were not in the best interests of his team.

“(It’s) probably more disappointing than anything that a senior player, one of your best players in the country, obviously looks at the bigger picture and focuses squarely on the opponent’s youngest player,” Healy explained.

“It’s not really the best tone for your team, but if that’s how the Indian team wants to approach it, then so be it.”

“It didn’t faze him one bit.”

Fox Cricket’s Michael Vaughan said the blame clearly lies with the veteran.

“He did it completely wrong,” he said at the Big Break.

“I don’t know why a senior professional who has been playing for so long – he’s a king – why he was unsettled by a 19-year-old. Sam Konstas did absolutely nothing wrong. Virat turned to him.

“You can’t do that, you just can’t do that.”

Fellow commentator Kerry O’Keeffe agreed.

“Kohli has built his entire career on arrogance. He suddenly recognized this in a debutant and seemed to be annoyed by it. “I think he’s in trouble.”

The 36-year-old could have faced a ban as the ICC has strict guidelines for intentional physical contact with an opposing player.

The ICC Code of Conduct states: “Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will violate this rule if they intentionally, recklessly and/or negligently run into or shoulder another player or referee.”

“Virat went a full pitch to the right and sparked this confrontation,” former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said on Seven. “For me there is no doubt at all.

“I have no doubt the referees and umpires will look at it closely. At this point the fielders should not be near the batsman. Every fielder on the ground knows where the batsmen congregate and congregate.

“It seemed to me that Konstas looked up very late and didn’t even realize that someone was in front of him. The man there on the screen (Kohli) may have a few questions to answer.”

If referee Andy Pycroft had thought Kohli’s actions were worthy of a level 2 offence, he would have received three or four demerit points.

Four points would be enough for a ban, putting Kohli at risk of missing the New Year’s Test in Sydney.

“We don’t want to see any physical contact during the game. It tends to get out of control,” said former ICC referee Simon Taufel on Seven.

“There’s a lot of adrenaline flowing. Sam Konstas stands his ground. Virat Kohli did the same. It’s something out of nowhere. We don’t want it to continue like this.

“It’s something they might watch during their lunch break or even at the end of the game day.

“I tend to think they will let this pass. That is my view at this point. Let the players say what they want to say. Get rid of them. Sometimes if it continues, they’ll probably let it pass.”

Kohli has not received ICC sanction since 2019.

Konstas’ rapid journey to his maiden half-century on debut – from just 52 balls – was the third fastest in Australian Test history, behind only Adam Gilchrist and Ashton Agar.

“Whatever happens on the field stays on the field, but I love the competition – and for a debut in this packed stadium it doesn’t get any better than this,” Konstas told Fox Cricket during a drinks break in the first session.

Konstas was dismissed half an hour before lunch on day one, leaving lbw for an epic 60 from 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes.