"Cricket khelo, yeh faaltu ki cheeze...": Rohit Sharma slams Sam Konstas over Jasprit Bumrah clash

Veteran Indian opener Rohit Sharma has opened up about the altercation between Jasprit Bumrah and Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the fifth and final Test. Rohit Sharma made it clear that the Indian team remains calm and composed but they won't stay silent if someone pokes them with unnecessary banter.

Sam Konstas became the center of attention during Day 1 of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 19-year-old, who had already been involved in a heated exchange with Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, was involved in an altercation with Jasprit Bumrah.

Sam Konstas and Jasprit Bumrah Involved in Heated Exchange on Day 1

In the final over of the day, with Usman Khawaja at the crease, the Australian opener intentionally delayed Bumrah’s run-up to ensure it would be the last over of the day. This frustrated Bumrah, who was visibly upset. Konstas engaged in a verbal exchange with Bumrah, which led to a brief confrontation.

Bumrah, fired up by the altercation, dismissed Khawaja caught behind off the next ball. He celebrated the wicket with great enthusiasm, charging toward Konstas and being joined by his teammates, including Virat Kohli. Konstas scored 23 off 38 balls before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj on Day 2.

Bol Bachchan Karna, Shobha Nahi Dete - Rohit Sharma

During a conversation with presenter Jatin Sapru and cricketer-turned-commentator Irfan Pathan on Star Sports, Rohit Sharma said that unnecessary banter does not fit with his team's approach. He also mentioned that the team prefers to focus on the game, urging players to avoid unnecessary chatter.

“Our boys, till they're calm, will remain calm. If you keep poking them, we won't remain quiet," Rohit said during an interaction with Star Sports.

“Cricket khelo, yeh faaltu ki cheeze, bol bachchan karna, shobha nahi deti (Play cricket. All of this chattering doesn't look good). Our boys are classy. We focus on what our job is and work towards it,” he added.

Rohit Sharma Absent from Playing XI for the Final Test

Rohit Sharma was absent from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as the captain. Rohit had a challenging tour, struggling with his form after initially being slotted into the middle order before moving back to the top order for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina praised Rohit for his leadership qualities, highlighting his honesty and selflessness. Raina emphasized that Rohit's leadership in the ongoing Test series exemplifies his commitment to India's triumph, calling him a true legend of the game.

"Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the game. #RohitSharma #TeamIndia," Suresh Raina tweeted.

Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the… pic.twitter.com/L3rPlMlRT6

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 4, 2025

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