Young Australian opener Sam Konstas faced significant online abuse following his heated exchange with Indian batter Virat Kohli on the first day of the Boxing Day Test. Virat Kohli fans posted abusive comments towards Konstas on his social media account, Instagram, on Thursday, December 26.
Konstas made his international debut in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 19-year-old Australian opener replaced Nathan McSweeney in the playing XI. Konstas had a remarkable debut with the bat, scoring a stunning half-century in his first innings.
Sam Konstas Takes Down Indian Paceman Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1
Konstas played an aggressive knock, even taking on Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who had been a challenge for Australian openers in the ongoing series. His bold approach left the Indian team surprised. He was involved in a physical and verbal altercation with Virat Kohli during the first session on Day 1.
The incident took place after the 10th over when the two bumped shoulders while moving between overs. Replays later showed that Kohli, while holding the ball, appeared to deliberately move into Konstas’ path. Usman Khawaja and the umpires had to intervene to calm down the players amid the confrontation.
Virat Kohli’s Fans Continue to Defend Him, Flood Sam Konstas’s Comment Section
Some of Virat Kohli’s fans continue to defend him, spamming Sam Konstas’s comment section. However, a number of fans believe that Kohli might have been wrong. Many are expressing disappointment in his behavior, particularly given that Konstas, who recently named Kohli as his favorite Indian cricketer,
“King kohli hundred >>>>> sam konstas whole career,” a user wrote on Instagram.
“Jaldi se account private karle bhai wo log ate hi honge,” another user remarked.
“Don’t mess with Virat Kohli,” another user wrote.
Kohli fans are spamming and abusing in Sam Konstas’ comment section, bringing shame to India just like their idol. pic.twitter.com/yVYn1UyZU9
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) December 26, 2024
Probably More Disappointing Than Anything Else – Alyssa Healy
Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, expressed disappointment over Virat Kohli’s actions during the Boxing Day Test. She criticized Kohli for his physical contact with debutant Sam Konstas. Healy felt that Kohli’s behavior set a poor tone for the Indian team.
“It’s a tricky one. Probably more disappointing than anything else that your experienced player, one of your best players in the country, as well is quite visibly looking at the wider picture and made a beeline for the youngest player in the opposition. It doesn’t really set the greatest tone for your side. But if that’s one way the Indian team wants to approach it, so be it. But it didn’t rattle him one bit,” Alyssa Healy said on Fox Cricket.
Team India’s behavior has been a focal point in the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia. Pacer Mohammed Siraj received a demerit point and a fine for his aggressive send-off to Travis Head during the second Test in Adelaide.