Ricky Ponting on Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas Fight: The shoulder collision between veteran Indian batsman Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may be investigated by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The incident occurred after the 10th over when Kohli, holding the ball, appeared to change his path and collided with Konstas’ shoulder. The collision seemed to frustrate Kohli, leading to an exchange of words between the two players. Constas’ opening partner, Usman Khawaja, along with on-field umpire Michael Gough, promptly intervened to calm the situation.
Ricky Ponting Comments on Kohli’s Collision
After observing the shoulder collision between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that Kohli could face trouble for his actions.
“Virat deliberately swung a full pitch to his right and initiated that collision. I have no doubt about it. I am confident the umpires and referees will closely review the incident,” Ponting said on Channel Seven.
He added, “Fielders should not be near the batsman at that moment. Every fielder knows where the batsman will converge. To me, Konstas seemed unaware, as he noticed too late and didn’t realize someone was in his path. That individual (Kohli) might have some questions to answer.”
36-year-old Virat Kohli sledged 19-year-old Sam Konstas. Then, in the very next over, he smashed 2 fours and 1 six.pic.twitter.com/2sCGiVCshm
— GBB Cricket (@gbb_cricket) December 26, 2024
What Does the ICC Rule Say?
Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct explicitly states:
“Inappropriate physical contact of any kind is prohibited in cricket. Players are in breach of this regulation if they intentionally, recklessly, and/or negligently collide with, run into, or shoulder another player or umpire.”
“When assessing the seriousness of a breach, the following factors (without limitation) will be considered:
(i) the context of the particular situation, including whether the contact was intentional (deliberate), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable;
(ii) the force of the contact;
(iii) any injury that may have occurred to the person contacted; and
(iv) the person with whom the contact occurred.”
Konstas’ Statement on the Collision with Kohli
When asked about the collision with Virat Kohli during the drinks break, Sam Konstas told broadcaster Fox Sports, “Whatever happens on the field stays on the field. But I love to compete, and there’s nothing better than making my debut in a packed stadium.”
Sam Konstas talking about his incident with Virat Kohli and his batting on debut match. (7 Cricket).
– He said “It was just emotions from both of us, And it happens in Cricket”. (On incident with Kohli).pic.twitter.com/bQqR1bLHZU
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 26, 2024
Categories for Such Offenses
If match referee Andy Pycroft considers it a Level 2 offense, the player involved could face three or four demerit points. A Level 1 offense would result in a fine or a reprimand. Simon Taufel, a five-time ICC Umpire of the Year winner, explained on Channel Seven that match officials would refer to the ICC Code of Conduct before deciding.
He noted, “Virat Kohli appears to have changed his line and entered Sam Konstas’ personal space. The ICC Code of Conduct includes a section on inappropriate physical contact, which officials will review after the game to determine if Virat’s actions fall under that category. Physical contact during the game isn’t ideal—it fuels adrenaline and can escalate. Sam stood his ground, and so did Virat. It’s a minor incident, but we don’t want to see it continue.”