IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli penalized for shoulder bump incident at MCG

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and given one demerit point for shoulder-bumping Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).  

The incident happened on the first morning of the Test after the 10th over when Kohli was seen deliberately nudging Konstas in front of a crowd of 90,000. The confrontation led to an exchange of words, with Australian opener Usman Khawaja stepping in to calm the situation.  

Kohli’s actions fall under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact in cricket. The regulation states:  
"Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire."  

The severity of such breaches is assessed based on factors like intent, force of contact, and any resulting injury.  

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli's behavior, stating on Channel Seven, "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Konstas looked up really late and wouldn’t even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer."  

Former India coach Ravi Shastri also expressed disappointment, saying, "There is a line, and you don’t want to overstep that line."  

The penalty adds one demerit point to Kohli's disciplinary record, which could lead to further consequences if he accumulates more points in the future.