Sam Konstas emerged as one of the standout performers in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, earning praise for his dynamic approach with the bat. According to Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith, the young cricketer has the skills to succeed in both traditional and aggressive styles of play. Smith emphasized that it is up to Konstas to find the right balance and learn from his own experiences.
Konstas made a strong impression during the series, particularly with his fearless debut innings, where he disrupted Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s rhythm. Smith, who will captain Australia in their upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka in the absence of Pat Cummins, acknowledged Konstas’ ability to adapt to different scenarios in long-format cricket.
“As a batter, you can only learn by yourself to some extent,” Smith remarked. “You play your own way because it’s your career, and you gain insights through your experiences. I’ve seen him excel in both aggressive and conventional styles. He can absorb pressure when needed and can also turn the tables on bowlers with his attacking play.”
Konstas Reflects on Heated Exchange with Kohli
One of the most talked-about moments of the series occurred during Konstas’ debut innings at the MCG, where he had a physical altercation with Indian legend Virat Kohli. The incident, which saw Kohli shoulder-barge the 19-year-old, led to the former Indian captain being fined. Throughout the series, Konstas continued to face intense scrutiny from Kohli and his teammates.
However, Konstas revealed that he shared a heartfelt conversation with Kohli after the match, where he admitted to idolizing the Indian superstar. “I told him after the game that he’s someone I look up to, and it was a huge honor to play against him,” Konstas shared.
He described his awe when facing Kohli, saying, “When he came out to bat, it was surreal. His presence on the field, the crowd chanting his name—it was an unforgettable experience.”
Konstas also spoke about Kohli’s warm demeanor during their chat, revealing that the Indian cricketer wished him success for the Sri Lanka tour, should he be selected. “He was very down-to-earth and supportive. He wished me all the best and said he hoped I’d do well if I got picked,” Konstas added.
A Promising Future
With glowing endorsements from seasoned players like Steve Smith and a memorable debut series behind him, Konstas appears set for a bright future in cricket. His ability to adapt and his fearless approach to the game make him a player to watch in the coming years. Fans will eagerly anticipate his performance in the Sri Lanka series and beyond.
