The confrontation occurred during the break between the 10th and 11th overs of the Australian innings. As Konstas and Khawaja were switching ends, Kohli, in a moment that sparked divided opinions, appeared to shoulder-bump the young Australian batter. The contact led to an animated exchange of words, forcing Khawaja to step in and diffuse the situation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Many former-cricketer-turned-commetators suggested that the contact was intentional on Kohli\u2019s part. However, replays painted a more nuanced picture. While Kohli\u2019s trajectory seemed deliberate, Konstas, distracted by adjusting his gloves and with his head down, inadvertently walked into Kohli. Despite the apparent lack of intent from either side, the physical contact drew widespread attention, leading to ICC intervention.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the incident, Khawaja told ABC Sport that he was initially unaware of what had happened. \u201cAt the moment, I didn\u2019t see what happened. I was walking the other way, and I just looked back\u2014woah! As I turned around, I saw them collide and thought, \u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019 Sammy was going; he was on fire,\u201d Khawaja told ABC Sport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added that there had been verbal exchanges between Konstas, Kohli, and Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah leading up to the altercation. However, he was keen to ensure the situation didn\u2019t escalate. \"There was a bit of chirp going on between Sam, Bumrah, and Virat the whole time, but I didn\u2019t want any physical contact to taint the situation,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Khawaja refrained from disclosing the details of his conversation with Kohli, he admitted that he spoke to both players to calm things down. \u201cI\u2019ve known Kohli for a long time. He came to the academy when I was 19, so I\u2019ve known him for a long time. I told Sam to chill out and assured him I\u2019d talk to Kohli. I said, \u2018Leave it, it\u2019s fine. What happens on the field stays on the field\u2019,\u201d Khawaja revealed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Following the incident, the ICC charged Kohli under Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, which pertains to inappropriate physical contact. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point. The Indian batter accepted the charge, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting and Shastri React<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ricky Ponting, never one to shy away from voicing his opinions, was critical of Kohli\u2019s actions. \u201cVirat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,\u201d Ponting remarked during the broadcast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also weighed in, expressing disappointment in Kohli\u2019s behaviour. \u201cThere is a line, and you don\u2019t want to overstep that line,\u201d Shastri said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum on the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ricky Ponting, never one to shy away from voicing his opinions, was critical of Kohli\u2019s actions. \u201cVirat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,\u201d Ponting remarked during the broadcast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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