Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has come out in support of Virat Kohli amid the row over the latter shoulder barging Sam Konstas. The incident occurred on Day 1 of IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test where the former Indian skipper made physical contact with the 19-year-old debutant. Clarke claimed that Kohli wasn’t a “nasty” person, adding that he was just sticking up for his team.
“Virat Kohli was getting frustrated”
Speaking on Beyond 23 Cricket podcast, Clarke pointed out that Virat Kohli was a tough player who never took a backward step in his career. He justified the Indian star shoulder barging Konstas, noting that he was possibly frustrated with the Aussie opener for the lack of respect shown towards the best bowler in the world Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas took the world by surprise after taking Bumrah to the cleaners with his innovative hits during his whirlwind knock.
“Virat is such a tough player. He will not take a backward step and never has throughout his career. I think he was getting frustrated with the lack of respect that Sam was showing as the best bowler in the world in Bumrah,” Clarke said.
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Virat Kohli sledges Sam Konstas
The incident occurred between the end of the 10th over and the start of the 11th. Sam Konstas was shouldered by Kohli while he was walking past the Indian, following which the duo exchanged some words. Soon, Usman Khawaja and the umpire were forced to intervene. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and was handed one demerit point following the incident.
The incident has sparked a huge debate among cricket fans, with some criticising Kohli’s actions as unnecessary aggression, while others defended him as a fiercely competitive player who thrives on intensity.
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