Virat Kohli banned? ICC punishes India great for shoulder tackle episode with Sam Konstas at MCG

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has faced consequences for his recent altercation with Australian newcomer Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Kohli was involved in a physical clash with Konstas on the first day of the Test match.

The confrontation appeared heated as both players exchanged verbal jabs. Match referee Andy Pycroft deemed it necessary to take action, and his decision was upheld.

As reported by Cricbuzz, Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fees for his behavior towards Sam Konstas. Kohli accepted the charge without contesting it. Additionally, he has received one demerit point, resulting in no suspension being imposed.

The incident took place after the conclusion of the 10th over on Day One, when Kohli was observed nudging the debutant Australian opener with his shoulder in front of a crowd of 90,000 at the MCG. This action sparked a heated exchange between the players, with the other opener, Usman Khawaja, attempting to defuse the situation. Kohli's behavior immediately sparked outrage, with Ricky Ponting calling for sanctions to be imposed on the Indian batsman.

"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. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer," Ponting was quoted in Channel Seven as saying by Fox.

Also read| 'Was doing my gloves when...': Sam Konstas reacts to ‘shoulder charge’ from Virat Kohli at MCG