The star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has been in the spotlight after an incident on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), against Australia. Then, during his team’s innings, Kohli raised eyebrows by allegedly deliberately shoulder pushing Australian debutant Sam Konstas. Soon the incident caught the eye of many ex cricketers and experts who demanded for an International Cricket Council (ICC) investigation of the incident.
The Incident: What Happened Between Kohli and Konstas?
On the first day of the 4th Test between India and Australia, Kohli had attempted to unsettle the young Australian batter Sam Konstas. The Australian teenager was so confident against the bowlers of the dangerous Jasprit Bumrah and India’s other bowlers. It’s a psychological tactic known to get under the skin of Konstas and other dominant players.
Kohli always plays with an aggressive style. In the process, Kohli was seen walking up to the batters while Konstas was batting and shoulder pushing the young batter. Having been an attempt to distract and provoke Konstas, this move was seen. The histrionics led to a heated exchange between the two players, however.
Reactions from Ex-Cricketers
The incident quickly drew the eye of former cricketers and experts. Legend Ricky Ponting was particularly negative, criticising Kohli for his behaviour. “Whatever you see there wasn’t done by accident. It was deliberately done, intentional by Kohli to go towards him and try and provoke something,” Ponting said.
The umpires and match referee would scrutinise the incident thoroughly, Ponting said. “He (Kohli) should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage,” he said. Konstas was unaware Kohli was there and Ponting added that he probably didn’t have enough time to avoid the physical contact.
The former England captain Michael Vaughan also weighed in. Ponting echoed that sentiment and said he has confidence the match referee, Andy Pycroft, will review the whole episode thoroughly. If it was proved to have been against the rules, Kohli could be facing serious consequences, said Vaughan.
What Does the ICC Rulebook Say?
It wasn’t the first time Kohli and Konstas found themselves in a pants pocket over physical contact in an international match, under ICC’s Law 2.12, dealing with any instances of inappropriate physical contact. Any contact is prohibited if it constitutes deliberate, reckless or negligent physical contact between players.
It’s clear, within the rulebook, that if you ‘deliberately, recklessly, and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player’ then you will breach the regulation. When assessing whether a breach has occurred, the following factors are taken into account:
- Intentional or reckless contact: Was the physical contact deliberate, reckless, or avoidable?
- Force of the contact: How hard was the impact of the contact?
- Injury: Did the contact cause any injury to the other person involved?
- Person involved: Who was the person with whom the contact was made? (In this case, Sam Konstas.)
Possible Outcomes for Kohli
The final decision regarding the incident will be made by the ICC match referee, Andy Pycroft. Based on the severity of the breach, Kohli could face different levels of punishment.
- Level 1 Offence: If the match referee considers the incident to be a Level 1 breach, Kohli could face a fine. A Level 1 violation typically involves less serious contact and may not result in any suspension.
- Level 2 Offence: If Pycroft decides that the incident was more serious and qualifies as a Level 2 offence, Kohli could be handed 3 to 4 demerit points. In such a case, Kohli could face a one-match ban, which would prevent him from participating in the next match of the series.
It will be the match referee’s decision whether Kohli’s actions are a Level 1 or a Level 2 offence based on whether the contact was done with the intent and how serious it was.
The Bigger Picture: Kohli’s Aggressive Style
Of course Virat Kohli is an aggressive guy and that has always been his character on the field. People love him for his fire but some think he is unsportsmanlike. His dealings with opposition players — especially when on the ropes — draw attention. This was no different from his fierce desire to win, but it does prompt a question: When is competitive spirit crosses the line from being sportmanlike to being unsporting?
Conclusion: Will Kohli Face Consequences?
Cricket debate: Sportsmanship in focus after Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas incident That decision will send a signal as to how far on-field physical and mental tactics advance when the matter is under consideration by the ICC.
