January 10, 2025

“‘Virat Kohli Deserved a Ban’: England Legend’s Bold Take on Indian Superstar After Sam Konstas Shoulder Bump Incident”

A former England cricket star has stirred controversy by stating that Virat Kohli should have faced a ban for his infamous shoulder bump incident involving Australian player Sam Konstas.

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has expressed that Virat Kohli should have faced a ban for his confrontation with Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Harmison believes that Kohli crossed a line in the heated exchange, adding that such behavior shouldn’t be tolerated. He also warned Konstas about the potential consequences of provoking opponents, emphasizing that the Australian teenager will face a tough challenge when up against England in the upcoming Ashes series.

Despite making physical contact with Konstas during the Melbourne Test, Kohli was not suspended but was fined 20% of his match fee. The incident occurred when the teams were switching ends at the conclusion of an over, with Kohli appearing to shoulder-bump the 19-year-old opener. A brief, tense exchange followed before on-field umpires intervened to diffuse the situation.

While some Australian media outlets and former players criticized Kohli for his actions, Konstas downplayed the incident and moved on without holding a grudge.

Harmison on Kohli

“What happened with Kohli there – Kohli was bang out of order. Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there’s a line, and you do not cross it,” Harmison said.

During the Sydney Test, however, Harmison backed the Indian team’s passionate celebration of Usman Khawaja’s wicket, noting that a previous verbal altercation between Jasprit Bumrah and Konstas had escalated tensions, adding fuel to the fiery atmosphere.

Harmison Offers Crucial Advice to Konstas Ahead of Ashes

Harmison also offered some important advice to Konstas, particularly regarding his approach in the upcoming Ashes series. The former England pacer expressed his eagerness to see the teenager open the batting against England but advised Konstas to focus on strengthening his defensive game rather than trying to emulate the aggressive style of David Warner. Harmison stressed the importance of prioritizing technical improvement, recognizing Konstas’s potential as a promising young player.

“Sam has got the scoops, he’s got the big shots. But does he have the defensive technique for Test match cricket against the world’s best? That’s something he needs to figure out. If he gets it right, he has a great chance because he can be aggressive and has a good mindset for attacking the ball. But I just think he wants to be David Warner, and technically, he’s nowhere near as good as Warner,” Harmison explained.

“If he’s opening the batting against England, I’d be happy. I really would. But he’s only 19, and he’s going to improve. However, if he continues to be aggressive verbally, he’ll face consequences. India is one thing, but the Ashes – with all the pressure it brings – is another level entirely. I’ve no issue with him having a go at India; he tried to rile them up because they were wasting time, and India got Khawaja out and won. But the Ashes will be a different challenge,” he added.

Australia secured a 3-1 victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reclaiming the prestigious title for the first time in ten years. Despite the series being tied 1-1 heading into the fourth Test in Melbourne, Australia triumphed in the final two games, clinching both the series and their place in the World Test Championship final. As part of Australia’s 18-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, set to begin on January 29, Konstas has earned his spot in the team.

Additionally, consider: “Performance Speaks for Itself”: Nitish Rana Fires Back at Manoj Tiwary Over Gautam Gambhir Criticism