Watch: Virat Kohli gets physical with Sam Konstas, furious Ricky Ponting warns India great

Team India's batting star Virat Kohli was involved in a heated exchange with Australian opener Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). In a video that surfaced on social media, Virat Kohli shoulder-barged Sam Konstas while the two passed one another between overs.

Konstas made his debut in the fourth Test on Thursday, December 26, replacing Nathan McSweeney in the playing XI. He adopted an ultra-aggressive strategy against India's new ball bowlers, including in-form Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas reverse-scooped Jasprit Bumrah for six in just the third over of the match.

Watch: Virat Kohli Involved in Heated Exchange with Sam Konstas

The incident occurred during the 10th over of Australia's first innings. Virat Kohli made shoulder contact with Sam Konstas, who was walking in the opposite direction. This led to an exchange of words between Kohli and Konstas. Usman Khawaja stepped in to calm things down, while the umpires also intervened.

“Kohli shifted ground to make contact,” former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe said on Fox Cricket’s commentary.

“To be honest, I don’t know what that achieves … they’ve resolved that quickly enough, but I don’t think it was necessary,” expert Harsha Bhogle continued.

Have a look at the incident right here:

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

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

Konstas continued to show aggression after the incident with Kohli. He went on to score 18 runs in the next over off Jasprit Bumrah. The debutant reached his maiden half-century in front of the packed Melbourne crowd. He scored 60 runs off 65 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes, before being dismissed.

Virat Kohli Walked One Whole Pitch Over to His Right - Ricky Ponting

Australian legend Ricky Ponting criticized Virat Kohli for instigating a confrontation with Sam Konstas. Ponting stated that Kohli walked across the pitch to deliberately provoke the batsman. He said that the umpires and referee would likely review the incident, adding Kohli may have some questions to answer.

“Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever," Ricky Ponting said on Seven.

“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."

“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.

"Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever."

- Ricky Ponting #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024

Ravindra Jadeja Dismissed Sam Konstas in His 2nd Over

Rohit Sharma brought on left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja shortly after. Jadeja had trapped Sam Konstas in his first over, but the umpire ruled it not out. However, Jadeja managed to dismiss Konstas in his second over.

The left-arm spinner bowled a fuller delivery that skidded onto Konstas, beating his defense and hitting him in front of the wicket. The umpire immediately gave him out. Konstas' knock provided Australia with a solid foundation, sitting well at 112/1 at the end of the first session.

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