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

Australian debutant Sam Konstas responded to a tense confrontation with Indian superstar Virat Kohli on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

During the break between the 10th and 11th overs of the Australian innings, Konstas and Usman Khawaja were changing ends when Kohli approached the young opener and gave him a shoulder push in the middle of the pitch.

The 19-year-old Konstas stood his ground and turned to face Kohli as they exchanged words, leading to other players and umpires stepping in to defuse the situation. In an interview with 7 Cricket during the lunch break, Sam Konstas shared his perspective on the altercation with his idol, Virat Kohli.

“Virat Kohli is your favourite player in the world and all of a sudden you are in the thick of battle out there, he throws a little shoulder. What was being said out there?,” the presenter asked.

In reply, Konstas said: “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves. And then a little shoulder charge. But it happens, it’s cricket.”

The man of the moment 

Sam Konstas chats with @copes9 about his first Test innings...

And everything else that happened during it as well #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/v7hhwMWgtB

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

Sam Konstas made a remarkable impression on everyone with his bold batting performance during his debut match. He scored 60 runs off 65 balls, including 6 boundaries and 2 sixes, before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.

“I think it was a bit of a blur, but a dream come true. Look at the turnout, full stadium. But yeah, the boys have been very welcoming, Pat Cummins, and it feels like home,” he said.

Konstas displayed remarkable skill and confidence as he faced the Indian pacers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah. In the seventh over of Australia's first innings, he boldly executed a conventional scoop, effortlessly sending Bumrah's delivery over the wicketkeeper for a boundary. Following this impressive stroke, Konstas wowed the commentators and spectators with a stunning reverse ramp shot that sailed over the slip cordon for a six.

Maintaining his dominance over Bumrah, Konstas further showcased his talent by smashing the Indian pace spearhead for another six in the 11th over. This achievement placed him in elite company, as only England's Jos Buttler had previously hit two sixes off Bumrah in a single Test innings. 

Also read| Virat Kohli to face 1 match ban following physical altercation with Sam Konstas? Here's what ICC rulebook states