Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli had an ugly altercation during the MCG Test.
Sam Konstas, a young Australian batter, told up about his 'shoulder bump' incident with Indian great Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Reflecting on the tough battle and a post-match talk, the 19-year-old hailed Kohli as "down to earth" and expressed admiration for the former India captain. He revealed that he had the opportunity to chat with Kohli after the match, sharing how much he idolised him.
"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas said. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game,” Konstas told CODE Sports.
Recalling the surreal moment of facing Kohli on the field, Konstas said, "When I did verse him, I was like, 'Wow, Virat Kohli is batting.' He just had that presence about him, all the Indian crowd getting amongst it. Chanting his name. It was quite surreal."
Konstas had a great start to his Australia career as he stroked a fifty in his first outing in Melbourne. But after that he managed 8, 23 and 22 runs as India bowlers got hang of his playing style and bowled accordingly.
Konstas revealed that Kohli’s words of encouragement left a lasting impression on the young batter.
"He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He’s truly a legend of the game," Konstas added.
Australia won the BGT 2024 by a margin of 3-1 and regained the trophy after a decade.