IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli in Trouble? Three Things which may happen to India star after Sam Konstas Incident

Add as a preferred source on Google

The heated start of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne has reignited the rivalry between India and Australia.

The early morning onslaught from debutant Sam Konstas played the biggest part as the two teams collided at the iconic MCG. Konstas, the youngster, went on to score 60 runs off just 65 deliveries.

The Indian pacers were toothless as Konstas and Usman Khawaja added 89 runs in their first-wicket partnership. And amid this, India star Virat Kohli may find himself in trouble after an on-field incident with the young Aussie debutant.

IND vs AUS: What happened between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas?

In between an over, Virat Kohli, cut across from the leg side and walked in beside the pitch as Sam Konstas was coming back from the other hand. Kohli and Konstas barged into each other and a heated altercation was initiated. The young Aussie debutant, to be fair, was not at fault as the Indian suddenly came out of nowhere. Usman Khawaja stepped in with his calming presence and thus de-escalated the issue.

But as per the cricket ruling books, Virat Kohli can be in deep trouble after his unnecessary show of aggression.

The ICC Code of Conduct's rule 2.12 says, "Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match."

"Note: Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, Players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another Player or Umpire. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made," it adds.

IND vs AUS: What punishment may happen to Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli can be handed demerit points by the match referee Andy Pycroft. Four demerit points can lead to a suspension from the next match, while a Level 1 offence ruling may be just a match fee deduction. The Indian player is likely to be summoned either at the end of the day's play and the Aussie player will be summoned as well. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said it was Virat who instigated the matter.

"Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever," Ponting said on Channel Seven.

Suspension: Kohli, if he finds himself in hot waters, will have to sit out from the Sydney Test, which will be a massive blow for India. Kohli's trajectory of the walk and the shouldering may be enough for a strict verdict.

Monetary Fine: It will be a massive relief for Virat Kohli if the match referee analyzes the altercation lightly and only sanctions a match fee fine on the India player.

Demerit Point without Fine: The Match referee can also book Kohli for his aggression and slap him with one demerit point. And if Pycroft indulges into the Christmas frenzy, he may just spare Kohli from a monetary sanction.