Virat Kohli Faces Potential Ban After On-Field Heated Exchange With Australian Debutant Sam Konstas

MELBOURNE: Virat Kohli’s participation in the upcoming Sydney Test hangs in the balance as the Indian batter faces scrutiny for a physical altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Melbourne.

The incident occurred when Kohli shoulder-barged Konstas while walking near the pitch, prompting an immediate reaction from the young batter, who had scored a memorable half-century earlier in the day.

This sparked off a heated exchange between the two cricketers before Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough had to intervene and settle down the row. Match referee Andy Pycroft will probably be called upon to determine this incident under the ICC Code of Conduct, in Law 2.12 that talks of "inappropriate physical contact" during an international match.

According to the rule, any physical contact made willfully, recklessly, or negligently - such as stepping on or running into another player or official - is considered a foul. Intent, force of contact, and resulting injury will all impact the degree of penalty.

If Kohli’s actions are deemed a Level 2 offence, he could face three or four demerit points. Accumulating four points would result in suspension from the next Test. Alternatively, a Level 1 offence would lead to a financial penalty without suspension.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has spoken out on the matter, stating that Kohli had provoked the situation by walking across the pitch to confront Konstas.

Whether Kohli will have to face suspension for the Sydney Test or be able to escape with a lighter penalty is what the ICC decision will say.

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