Darren Berry, former Australia first-class cricketer has slammed Virat Kohli for his deliberate shoulder-barging to 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas, who idolizes the former India captain.
“Such a shame as the kid absolutely idolizes Kohli. Never meet your hero,” Berry wrote on X.
If the ICC don’t give Virat a holiday with his family in Sydney then we might as well pack up our bat and ball and go home. Changed his line and showed the world the kid has rattled him & his team. Such a shame as the kid absolutely idolizes Kohli.
“ Never meet your hero ” 😢— Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) December 26, 2024
What happened?
Sam Konstas battered Jasprit Bumarah and Mohammad Siraj around the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After the end of the 10th over, when players were changing ends, Virat Kohli picked up the cricket ball and appeared to walk directly to Konstas who was heading toward batting partner Usman Khawaja and collided shoulder to shoulder as he walked past Konstas.
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
Konstas and former India captain Kohli exchanged words after the collision and Kohli started walking back towards Konstas. Australia batter Usman Khawaja hurried to stand between the pair, patting Konstas on the arm and then putting a friendly arm around the shoulder of 36-year-old Kohli in a bid to calm the situation.
Konstas dominated the opening session before getting out to Ravindra Jadeja for a daring 60 off 65 deliveries in a memorable debut.
What did Konstas say?
While talking to 7 Cricket at the lunch break, the teenager opened up about the clash with his childhood hero.
The man of the moment 👊
Sam Konstas chats with @copes9 about his first Test innings…
And everything else that happened during it as well #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/v7hhwMWgtB
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
“Virat Kohli is your favourite player in the world and all of a sudden you are in the thick of battle out there, he throws a little shoulder. What was being said out there?,” asked Trent Copeland.
Konstas replied: “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves. And then a little shoulder charge. But it happens, it’s cricket.”
On his debut
On his memorable debut, the youngster said it is still a bit of a blur to him but he enjoyed his stay in the middle.
Australia’s Sam Konstas watches the ball after playing shot during play on the first day of the fourth cricket test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia. (AP)
“I think it was a bit of a blur, but a dream come true. Look at the turnout, full stadium,” he said.
“But yeah, the boys have been very welcoming, Pat Cummins, and it feels like home.”
Konstas also revealed what he was told by the captain Pat Cummins before he made his debut.
“I think just being fearless, Cummins was telling me. We had our Christmas lunch yesterday, seeing the kids enjoy it, and yeah, you can tell it’s a really family-united group, so yeah, very stoked,” he said.
On the ramp shots
Earlier, Konstas looked nervous as he played and missed four times in the opening over of the match, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.
But in a sign of the bravery of youth, Konstas played three audacious reverse scoops over slips in Bumrah’s fourth over, hitting two fours and a six.
WHAT ARE WE SEEING!
Sam Konstas just whipped Jasprit Bumrah for six 😱#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/ZuNdtCncLO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
He also opened up about his plan against Bumrah.
“It wasn’t a plan yesterday. I was going to play good cricket shots, but Bumrah is obviously a world-class bowler, and yeah, just trying to put pressure on him, trying to change his tactics was the key thing,” he said.
After Konstas missed the first ramp shot, there was a smile on the face of veteran opener Usman Khawaja at the non-striker end.
“Oh, he’s a legend. He’s very calm to bat with, and he said just to keep backing myself, so love batting with Uzi, great mentor, and yeah, great leader,” said Konstas on Khawaja’s reaction.
The MCG crowd
Konstas also revealed what he felt after acknowledging the crowd people at the MCG.
“I actually had goosebumps when I raised my bat. Everyone was supporting me, so yeah, great atmosphere here,” he said.
No Instagram for five days
When asked about how many followers, he has gained before after his show at the MCG. He said: “I haven’t been checking Instagram. I’m on a five-day ban, but I’ll check after.
“I knew I was on about 15k, but not too sure now.
“Do you know?,” he asked Copeland
“Good news is you’re up over 38k right now. You’re a fan favourite,” replied Copeland.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
