"Imagine when his son is 12 or 13 years old" - Former Pakistan cricketer's massive statement on Kohli shoulder barging Konstas in BGT 2024-25 4th Test
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has condemned Virat Kohli for his shoulder-barging act towards Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 (Thursday, December 26) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 Test in Melbourne. An incident saw Kohli change direction during the changeover after 10 overs to bump into Konstas, much to the displeasure of the 19-year-old.
The duo then exchanged a few words before being separated by Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough. Kohli's intentional physical contact was slammed by several former players around the world.
Taking to his YouTube channel 'Basit Ali,' the former player questioned Kohli's behavior, saying [via TOI]:
"It's really disheartening to see this controversy. I've engaged in sledging as well, but only verbally and in a mannered way. However, what Kohli did today is hard to believe. If someone asks me for my opinion, I'd say a thousand times over that Virat Kohli is guilty. Imagine when his son is 12 or 13 years old, walking somewhere, and someone pushes him in the same way - how would Virat Kohli feel?"
He continued:
"It's not even been a year since Virat's son was born. Take Sachin Tendulkar as an example - we sledged against him so much, but he never responded like this. He always answered with the bat. Virat intentionally collided today, and it was not accidental."
Amid calls for a possible suspension, Kohli was spared with only a 20 percent fine of his match fee and one demerit point, his first in the last 24 months.
"That's just cricket, just the tension" - Sam Konstas on Virat Kohli's shoulder barge
Sam Konstas had no ill feelings towards Virat Kohli for his physical confrontation, playing it down as 'just cricket.'
The teenage debutant smashed a sparkling 65-ball 60 at the top to immediately put India on the back foot. Konstas' onslaught eventually helped Australia reach a dominant 311/6 at Stumps on Day 1.
Speaking about the Kohli incident at the press conference after the first day's play, Konstas said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):
"I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But I think that's just cricket, just the tension. I was just trying to get in the contest and whoever I was facing, just trying to bring the best version of myself. Obviously, it got heated at times, which was good for me. Just feel like that brings the best out of me."
Unfortunately for India, Day 2 has gone even worse as Australia have raced to 399/6 in 103 overs, with Steve Smith bringing up his 34th century.