Sam Konstas on Virat Kohli’s shoulder charge: ‘It happens, it’s cricket’ | Cricket News

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Former Australian first-class cricketer Darren Berry has criticized Virat Kohli for deliberately shouldering 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas, who idolizes the former India captain.

“It’s a shame that the kid idolized Kohli completely. Never meet your hero,” Berry wrote on X.

what happened

Sam Konstas beat Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After the end of the 10th over, when the players were changing sides, Virat Kohli picked up the cricket ball and walked straight to Konstas who was heading towards batting partner Usman Khawaja and collided on the shoulder as he passed Konstas.

After the clash, words were exchanged between Konstas and former India captain Kohli and Kohli started to turn towards Konstas. Aussie batsman Usman Khawaja hastily stood between the pair, patted Konstas on the hand and then placed a friendly hand on the 36-year-old Kohli’s shoulder to calm the situation.

Konstas dominated the opening session before dismissing Ravindra Jadeja with a 65-ball 60 in a memorable debut.

What did Konstas say?

Speaking to 7 Cricket during the lunch break, Kishore opened up about his feud with his childhood hero.

“Virat Kohli is your favorite player in the world and all of a sudden you’re there in the thick of the battle, he shrugs a little bit. What was being said out there?” asked Trent Copeland.

Konstas replied: “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t know, I was doing my gloves. And then a little shoulder charge. But it happens, it’s cricket.”

On his debut

On his memorable debut, the youngster said it was still a bit of a blur for him but he enjoyed his stay in the middle.

Australia’s Sam Konstas watches the ball during the first day of the fourth cricket test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. (AP)

“I think it was a little blurry, but the dream came true. Look at the turnout, the full stadium,” he said.

“But yes, the boys have been very welcoming, Pat Cummins, and it feels like home.”

Konstas also revealed what captain Pat Cummins told him before his debut.

“I think in awe, Cummins told me. We had Christmas lunch yesterday, seeing the kids having fun, and yeah, you can tell it’s a really family-knit group, so yeah, very excited,” he said.

On the ramp shots

Earlier, Konstas looked nervous while playing and was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah in the opening over of the match and missed four times.

But in a sign of the young man’s bravery, Konstas played three daring reverse scoops in Bumrah’s fourth over, hitting two fours and a six in the slips.

He has also disclosed about the plan against Bumrah.

“It wasn’t the plan yesterday. I was going to play good cricket shots, but Bumrah is definitely a world-class bowler, and yes, trying to put pressure on him, trying to change his tactics was the key,” he said.

Experienced opener Usman Khawaja had a smile on his face at the non-striker end after Konstas missed the first ramp shot.

“Oh, he’s a legend. He’s very calm to bat with, and he just keeps supporting himself, so I love batting with Uzi, a great mentor, and yes, a great leader,” Konstas said in response to Khawaja.

The MCG crowd

That’s what Konstas felt after acknowledging the crowd at the MCG.

“I really got goosebumps when I picked up my bat. Everyone was supporting me, so yes, it’s a good atmosphere here,” he said.

No Instagram for five days

When asked how many followers he had gained after his show at the MCG. He said: “I haven’t checked Instagram. I’ve been banned for five days, but I will check.

“I knew I was at about 15k, but not sure now.

“You know?” he asked Copeland

“The good news is you’re over 38k now. You’re a fan favorite,” Copeland replied.

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