Border Gavaskar Trophy: Who is at fault in the Virat Kohli fight with Sam Konstas? WATCH VIDEO

The opening day of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed high drama as Indian talisman Virat Kohli found himself in a mid-pitch altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. The incident added a spark to an already intense battle between the two cricketing giants. The moment unfolded during the first session of play when Kohli and Konstas inadvertently bumped shoulders, igniting tension between the seasoned campaigner and the young debutant. Konstas, who opened the batting with Usman Khawaja, had been a thorn in India’s side with his aggressive and fearless approach. The 19-year-old showcased impressive composure, taking on India’s formidable pace attack with ease and frustrating the bowlers with his calculated stroke play. The exchange of words between Kohli and Konstas, though brief, reflected the fiercely competitive spirit on display. The debutant showed no signs of intimidation, holding his ground against the experienced Indian star.

Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas makes headlines in the Boxing Day Test match - WATCH

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, known for wearing his passion on his sleeve, was quick to engage, emphasizing his intent to keep the pressure on the young batter. The altercation seemed to set the tone for an electrifying day of cricket, with fans eagerly anticipating how the rivalry would evolve as the match progressed. Konstas’ impressive performance and his ability to stand up to one of the game’s greats underscored his potential to be a significant addition to the Australian side.

The drama reached its peak at the end of the 10th over when Virat Kohli deliberately walked into Sam Konstas’ path, escalating the simmering tension between the two. The unexpected move led to a brief yet heated exchange of words between the veteran Indian star and the young Australian debutant, drawing immediate attention from players and spectators alike.

Kohli’s body language exuded intent, as if to remind the 19-year-old that he was up against one of the fiercest competitors in the game. Konstas, however, did not shy away from the confrontation, holding his ground and matching Kohli’s intensity. The incident added fuel to an already charged atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with fans glued to the action unfolding on the field.

Sensing the potential for the situation to spiral, Usman Khawaja and on-field umpire Michael Gough stepped in to intervene. Their timely involvement helped de-escalate the tension, guiding both players back to focus on the game. Despite the quick resolution, the confrontation became the highlight of the session, sparking debates and discussions among fans and commentators.

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024

This is pure #ToughestRivalry vibes! 🥶#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 LIVE NOW! | #BorderGavaskarTroph pic.twitter.com/7m2ilANuu5

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024

"Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together," stated former Australian captain Ricky Ponting on commentary. 

"It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, wouldn’t even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer," he added. 

The ICC's Code of Conduct states that "any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire."

Match referee Richie Pycroft now faces a crucial decision regarding the mid-pitch altercation between Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli. Should the incident be classified as a Level Two offence for either player, it could result in the allocation of three or four demerit points. This would have significant implications, as accumulating four points would automatically lead to a suspension, ruling the player out of the Australia vs India New Year’s Test in Sydney.

A Level Two offence under ICC guidelines includes conduct that goes beyond acceptable aggression, such as deliberate physical contact or inappropriate language. If Pycroft finds evidence of such behavior, it could have a substantial impact on the series. Both Kohli and Konstas play pivotal roles for their respective teams, and missing the India vs Australia Sydney Test could prove costly.

However, if the incident is deemed a Level One offence, the consequences would be far less severe. A Level One charge typically carries penalties such as a match fee fine or a formal warning, without impacting the player’s availability for upcoming games. Such a decision would likely aim to diffuse tensions while emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship.