A fiery confrontation on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test led Australian media to label Virat Kohli a “joker” after a clash with debutant opener Sam Constas.
During the first day of the fourth Test in Melbourne, 19-year-old Australian opener Sam Constas made a strong impression, even taking on Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah with impressive shots that visibly unsettled the Indian fielders.
In the 10th over, Kohli and Constas collided, sparking a heated exchange. Usman Khawaja and the umpires intervened to calm things down. As a result, Kohli was issued a warning, fined 20% of his match fee, and given a demerit point.
The incident quickly spread across social media, with calls for Kohli to be suspended for at least one match. Meanwhile, Australian newspapers had no qualms, calling him a “joker” and publishing a picture of him with a baby bottle in his mouth. The West Australian newspaper even used the headline “Clown Kohli,” triggering outrage among Indian fans and supporters.
In his post-match press conference, Sam Constas downplayed the clash, describing it as a mistake. He explained that he was adjusting his gloves and felt Kohli had accidentally bumped into him.