Virat Kohli Slapped With Hefty Fine After Physical Altercation With Sam Konstas

Virat Kohli fined by ICC [Source: AP Photos]

Virat Kohli could consider himself lucky as the Indian superstar has been let go off easily by the ICC despite his unnecessary actions in the Boxing-Day Test at the MCG on Thursday. The veteran Indian star had a physical altercation with Aussie teenager Sam Konstas on the first day of the Test match.

The duo engaged in a verbal argument as Kohli indirectly provoked the Aussie opener as the two umpires had to intervene. As a result of his actions, the ICC has penalised Kohli with just 20% of his match fee and he won't miss the next Test at SCG, as speculated by many. He also received a single demerit point for his actions.

Virat Vs Konstas: What actually happened?

Konstas was at his absolute best as the teenage debutant made a mockery of the Indian attack and scored a majestic fifty on his debut. He played some audacious strokes against Bumrah, including a reverse scoop six. This infuriated Kohli as during the end of an over, when the batters were changing sides, Kohli deliberately came upto Konstas and brushed off his shoulders.

The Aussie batter didn't like the gesture as he had a word of two with the India great and the umpires intervened to solve the matter.

Why was Kohli only charged 20% of match fee

When the incident occurred, many expected Kohli to get at-least 50 percent match fee cut and a ban from the next Test match at the SCG. However, it came as a surprise that he escaped with just 20 percent match fee deducted.

The reason could be that Konstas gave a statement that the incident happened in the heat of a moment and seemingly defended Kohli for his actions. Plus, since Konstas was also involved in the argument, the match referee came to the conclusion that it wasn't entirely Kohli's fault.

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