Image: Sam Konstas addressed the controversial shoulder barge incident with Virat Kohli / © NDTV Sports
In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Australia’s Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli were involved in a controversial incident when Konstas received a shoulder barge from Kohli during the fourth Test in Melbourne. This exchange took place after the completion of the tenth over, as Kohli seemingly veered toward Konstas during the changeover.
The incident went viral, with Kohli later fined 20% of his match fee and handed a demerit point for the altercation. Konstas, initially expressing his surprise at the moment, has now boldly defended his actions. Speaking to 7NEWS, the 19-year-old batter stated that he has “no regrets” and described the incident as “special”, revealing that he had watched it numerous times. He said:
No, I have no regrets. I like to live by that and it was so special. I’ve watched it so many times, I’m not going to lie.
The incident sparked divided opinions, with some Australian media mocking Kohli and former cricketers like Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin calling for stricter action. Despite the controversy, the young Australian cricketer maintains that such moments are part of the game, emphasizing the emotional nature of cricket.