Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed disapproval over Virat Kohli‘s physical confrontation with Sam Konstas, a 19-year-old Australian debutant, during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Pathan compared Kohli’s actions to the verbal aggression shown by former Australian greats like Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, noting that while they sledged a lot, they never resorted to physical contact.
The incident occurred on Day 1 of the Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) when Kohli shoulder-barged Konstas during an over break, sparking a heated exchange.
Pathan on Maintaining Boundaries in Aggression
Reflecting on the incident during a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan remarked:
“Stay away from contact. You can show aggression and support your players, but you cannot touch another player. He is a 19-year-old boy. When we were 19, Hayden and Gilchrist made a lot of noise, but they never touched us. Kohli could have avoided that on the cricket field.”
Pathan highlighted the double standards that might emerge if roles were reversed.
“If Steve Smith, as Australia’s senior player, had done something similar to one of our debutants, we wouldn’t have liked it. The same standard should apply here.”
Sunil Gavaskar’s Concerns Over the Incident
Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in on the matter, agreeing with Pathan’s perspective.
“This was not required at all. Even on a busy street, when someone approaches, we step aside. It doesn’t reduce our status to move aside. Kohli’s actions were avoidable.”
Gavaskar further expressed hope that the incident wouldn’t lead to severe repercussions for Kohli:
“The ICC has taken strict action in the past for physical contact. Gautam Gambhir was once banned for a similar clash with Shane Watson. I hope Kohli escapes a ban, but the match referee will surely review the situation.”
Outcome of the Incident
Despite the controversy, Kohli avoided a ban. He was fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for his actions.
The situation was eventually defused on the field by Australian opener Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpire, preventing further escalation.
A Matter of Debate
The Kohli-Konstas incident has sparked a broader debate about acceptable levels of aggression in cricket. While aggression and intensity are integral to the game, maintaining mutual respect and boundaries on the field is equally important.
