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Xtra Time Web Desk: Virat Kohli was slammed for shoulder-bumping Australia debutant Sam Konstas on Boxing Day at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Konstas, Australia's fourth-youngest Test debutant, was making waves with his aggressive batting. Known for his "see ball, hit ball" approach, Konstas unsettled Indian pacers, particularly targeting Jasprit Bumrah with ramp shots and drives down the ground. As tensions simmered, Kohli and Konstas crossed paths during the break between overs.

Walking in opposite directions near the pitch, neither gave way, resulting in a deliberate shoulder bump. Kohli stopped and turned, seemingly challenging the young batter, while Konstas did not back down. A verbal exchange ensued, drawing the attention of Usman Khawaja, who diffused the situation with a smile and an arm around Kohli. Match officials intervened to calm things further. "Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever," Ricky Ponting said in the commentary.

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After this incident went viral on social media, the Aussies have been criticizing Virat. But the question is, is this the first time such an incident has occurred in cricket? Virat may sledge the opposition's opener to bring success to his team. What’s wrong with that? Moreover, during a previous tour of Australia, Virat himself faced similar sledging. He endured Mitchell Johnson’s bouncers and even faced taunts while fielding on the boundary line. Have the Australian cricket pundits forgotten those incidents?

An exchange between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas.

- THE BOXING DAY TEST IS HERE.pic.twitter.com/x8O4XCN1Sj

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 26, 2024

Unfazed by the altercation, Konstas made his bat do the talking. Off the very next ball, he backed away and dispatched Bumrah for a boundary to long-off. Cameras captured Kohli's visible frustration as Konstas continued his onslaught, making the Indian bowling attack forget his well-documented vulnerability to the incoming delivery. The 19-year-old raced to his half-century in just 52 balls, becoming the youngest Australian in more than seven decades to score a fifty. The teenage sensation had already made his mark with a blazing 60-run knock before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him in front of the stumps.

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Konstas had openly declared his intent to attack ahead of the match, and he lived up to his promise before a packed crowd of nearly 90,000. Despite his evident weakness against nip-backers, he dominated the Indian bowlers with a fearless approach. Bumrah conceded a six after 4,483 and three years since Cameron Green hit him for one in Sydney in 2021. Remarkably, Konstas achieved this feat with a reverse ramp just 23 balls into his debut innings.

Physical altercations like shoulder bumps have historically invited scrutiny from match officials. Andy Pycroft, the match referee, may review the incident to determine if it warrants penalties. Previous infractions of this nature have resulted in reprimands and demerit points under the ICC Code of Conduct.