Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels Virat Kohli deserves all the blame for his on-field collision with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test. For the unaware, the 19-year-old had shocked everyone by trying to ramp Jasprit Bumrah multiple times. As soon as he first tried it, Kohli was in young Konstas’ ears constantly.
Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas, who to blame for fight?
The 19-year-old who was making his debut wasn’t bothered by the heat coming from the Indian great and continued. On the aggressive, he took on Mohammed Siraj as well. With runs flowing quickly and nothing going India’s way, Kohli decided to pick a fight with Konstas.
After the 10th over, while changing sides, he shoulder barged Konstas. At first glance, it seemed like Kohli was the one who intentionally walked into the youngster, who wasn’t really paying attention to anyone else. Konstas didn’t physically reply but did say some words back to Kohli, who was fired up.
The players and umpire took the two batters apart, and after watching what had transpired, Ponting blamed Kohli for the physical altercation. “Have a look at where Virat was. He’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” said Ponting on air.
No issue, says Konstas
Konstas seemed to be fine with whatever had happened. He held no grudge against Kohli or any one of the Indian fielders who sledged him in the first session of the Boxing Day Test. During the drinks break, he told the commentators, “Whatever stays on the field, stays on the field. Love competing.” He wasn’t in the middle for long after the break, getting dismissed for 60 by Ravindra Jadeja and walking off to a standing ovation from the MCG crowd on his Test debut.
