Already Team India is under the pump in the IND vs AUS series, more so in the 4th MCG Test, and now ex-skipper Virat Kohli could invite a fine or even a ban, for his shoulder-bump to Aussie Sam Konstas. The incident happened during the first session on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, and Virat, knowingly or unknowingly, walked into the batter.
Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas
Soon after the physical contact by the two, they exchanged a few words as well, before Usman Khawaja and the umpires intervened. Though Konstas was eventually removed for 60, it did spark a debate, if what Virat did was right or wrong. “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation,” Ponting said on Channel Seven. “No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”
On the other hand, Sunil Gavaskar said on Hotstar, “It does not make you smaller to move away. Totally unavoidable. My first reaction was, both were looking down. But it remains to be seen, who gets fined more.” Talking about fine or punishment, as per the ICC Laws, physical contact during play qualifies as Level 2 offence.
Likely Review by ICC
Further, a player can attract a fine of 50% to 100% of match fee and/or ban for 1 Test or 2 ODIs. The match referee Andy Pycroft is bound to have a close look at the incident, and if Virat Kohli is found guilty, he could well be sitting out of the Sydney Test, putting India’s chances in jeopardy.
In the past too, there are precedents, where players have attracted match bans for physical contact during a match. Back in 2008, current Team India coach Gautam Gambhir was handed a one Test ban, when he was found guilty of hitting Shane Watson during the third IND vs AUS Test. Gambhir had elbowed Watson while taking a run.
While nothing has been proven as of now, and the matter hasn’t officially gone to the ICC, but this could be the worst possible outcome for India. For all we know, Virat Kohli could be let go with a fine and a demerit point as well.
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