Virat Kohli's ban comes calling from England after Sam Konstas' stained episode

Virat Kohli has found himself in the spotlight once again over his heated altercation with Australian teenager Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Melbourne.

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has ignited fresh debate by suggesting Kohli should have faced a ban for the incident. Steve Harmison claimed that the Indian cricket team superstar crossed the boundary by shouldering the Australian youngster in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Steve Harmison calls for ban on Virat Kohli after controversial incident with Sam Konstas

The controversy unfolded when Virat Kohli appeared to shoulder the 19-year-old debutant while switching ends, leading to an intense stare-down between the two players before umpires intervened.

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However, the former Indian skipper was fined 20% of his match fee and docked one demerit point, but he avoided suspension, which should not have happened according to the former England fast bowler. Harmison also warned Sam Konstas against provoking opponents, particularly with the high-pressure Ashes 2025 looming on the horizon.

Steve Harmison believes that Virat Kohli's behavior crossed a line and feels a ban would have been a more fitting punishment for the incident. He acknowledged Kohli's significant contributions to the game but emphasized the importance of maintaining boundaries in the heat of the game.

Virat crossed the line at the MCG: Steve Harmison

Steve Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast: “What happened with Kohli there—Kohli was bang out of order and Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there’s a line, and you do not cross it.”

However, Harmison refused to criticize the spirited celebration by the Indian cricket team after dismissing Usman Khawaja during the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Englishman pointed out that the intense reaction came out of the emotions, especially after a heated exchange earlier in the match between Jasprit Bumrah and Sam Konstas.

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He acknowledged that such moments happen in the high-pressure environment of a fiercely contested series. Meanwhile, Harmison suggested Konstas prioritize improving his defensive skills instead of trying to imitate David Warner's playing style.

The former England pacer has pointed out that Sam Konstas has got the scoops and big shots but questioned whether he has the defensive technique for Test match cricket against the world’s best.

Steve Harmison warns Sam Konstas ahead of Ashes 2025 after the Virat Kohli incident

He said that if the young Australian pace sensation gets his defensive technique right, he can have a bright Test future because he can be aggressive and has a good mindset for attacking the ball.

warned that verbal aggression might work against India, but the pressure of the Ashes will be a much tougher test for him. Harmison signed off by saying, “But I just think Sam wants to be David Warner, and technically, he’s nowhere near as good as Warner. If he continues to be aggressive verbally, he’ll face consequences.

India is one thing, but the Ashes—with all the pressure it brings—is another level entirely. I have no issue with him having a go at India; he tried to rile them up because they were wasting time, and India got Khawaja out and won. But the Ashes will be a different challenge.”