The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia saw heated exchanges both on and off the field, as cricket legend Ricky Ponting faced backlash for his criticism of Virat Kohli’s confrontation with debutant Sam Konstas. The incident, which occurred during Day 1 of the match at Melbourne, also revived memories of Ponting’s own controversial clash with a young Harbhajan Singh years ago.
Konstas and Kohli Clash Sparks Controversy
On his debut, 19-year-old Sam Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in Australia’s playing XI and made an immediate impact with an aggressive knock. However, during the 10th over of the morning session, Konstas was involved in a verbal exchange with Indian star Virat Kohli. The altercation began as the teams switched sides, with Kohli appearing to shoulder Konstas on his way across the pitch.
Konstas, batting on 27 off 38 balls at the time, responded by accelerating his scoring in the next over bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, smashing 18 runs, including two boundaries and a six.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting weighed in on the incident during commentary on Channel 7. Ponting accused Kohli of provoking the confrontation, stating, “Virat deliberately walked across the pitch to instigate that. There’s no doubt in my mind. Fielders know to stay clear of the batsmen during these moments. Konstas looked up late and wouldn’t have expected someone in his path.”
Ponting suggested that the umpires and match referee would likely review Kohli’s actions.
Fans Slam Ponting, Recall Past Incident
Ponting’s remarks did not sit well with cricket fans, who took to social media to criticize the Australian great. Many reminded him of his own history of on-field aggression, particularly a clash with a 19-year-old Harbhajan Singh during the 1998 Coca Cola Cup.
In that match, Ponting, batting at No. 3, was dismissed for 31 off 25 balls by Harbhajan, who outwitted him with a clever delivery that led to a stumping by Nayan Mongia. Ponting reportedly exchanged heated words with Harbhajan and collided with the spinner during the send-off. Fans were quick to draw parallels between that episode and the Kohli-Konstas incident, accusing Ponting of hypocrisy.
One fan on X commented, “Ponting has no moral high ground here. He sledged a teenager when he was in his prime and now wants to lecture Kohli?”
Konstas Impresses Despite Controversy
Amid the drama, Konstas shone on his debut, scoring an impressive 60 off 65 balls at a strike rate of 92.31. His innings helped Australia reach 311/6 at Stumps on Day 1, with Steve Smith (68) and Pat Cummins (8) at the crease.
As the series remains tied 1-1, the fiery exchanges on the field and in the commentary box add an extra layer of intensity to this already thrilling contest.
