Kohli gets slapped with sanctions after a heated altercation with Sam Konstas that culminated in physical contact.
Kohli gets slapped with a fine of 20 per cent of his match fee in the India vs Australia 4th Test in Melbourne.
The fine was incurred because of a shoulder barge incident with debutant Sam Konstas on Thursday.
The incident occurred while the players were crossing over following the conclusion of the tenth over of the Australian innings. As they crossed the pitch, Kohli and Konstas collided. Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ teammate, intervened to break up the tense exchange of words when both players swiftly turned to face one another.
he on-field umpires also had a word with the two. “Virat Kohli has been slapped with a Level 1 offence. He has been fined 20 per cent of the match fees,” a source told NDTV. After incident, many former players predicted that Kohli may face suspension but that has not happened as he has been charged with a Level 1 offence. Level 2 offences carry a penalty of three to four demerit points. Four demerit points would lead to a suspension of one Test.
Speaking to reporters after Stumps on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, Konstas said Kohli bumped into him and it wasn’t deliberate.
“Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, that’s cricket and can happen with tension,” said the teenager. “I think the emotions got to both of us,” Konstas had told ‘Channel 7’ during the second session.
“I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket,” he added.
Konstas might have dismissed it as routine but former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting blamed Kohli for instigating the exchange. He went to the extent of saying that Kohli could face disciplinary action for it. “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,” Ponting said on Channel 7 while watching the replay of the incident.
“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.