There were many fiery moments in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, but nothing came close to the controversy that arose when Indian batting icon Virat Kohli and Australia’s young sensation Sam Konsta went head-to-head during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne last December.
The drama unfolded during Australia’s innings when both the players were crossing the pitch. Kohli and 19-year-old Konsta’s shoulders collided as they moved past each other. The two turned quickly, locked eyes and walked back towards each other as heated words were exchanged.
When the Boxing Day Test went wild after the Virat Kohli-Sam Konstans episode
Before the situation went out of control, Usman Khawaja ran to calm his partner down, while the umpire at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) stepped in to separate the two. The clash immediately became the biggest talking point of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
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Fans were stunned to see the teenager facing off against one of the most intense competitors in the world, and the moment added fuel to an already high-pressure Test at the MCG. But the young Australian had made his presence felt long before the shoulder clash.
Making his debut in the prestigious Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Constas stunned India with a fearless performance. He reverse-swept, paddle-swept and scored a sensational half-century on debut, leaving Indian bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah scrambling for answers.
Friend reveals what Sam Konstas said to Virat Kohli during heated clash at MCG
Virat Kohli tried to unsettle the newcomer with classic mind games, adding another chapter to the long and intense India-Australia rivalry. Now, Oliver Peak, who is a close friend of Sam Konstas and was the drink taker that day, has revealed what response the youngster fired at Kohli during the heated moment at the MCG.
Oliver Peak said on The Grade Cricketer podcast: “I remember him and Uzi putting on the gloves for him, and he and Uzi were very good there. Uzi was a bit surprised by the way he was doing it. He was so confident in the field that he looked fine out there. It was great to see as a fan and also as a teammate. When Kohli shouldered him, Sam said, ‘I know you’re a good player, but some respect. Do it.’
I know you’re a good player, but… pic.twitter.com/jSDVzRk8vS
– Grade Cricketer (@gradecricketer) 20 November 2025
No, I have no regrets: Sam Konstas
Recalling that moment, Konstas recently said that she thought it was special and even admitted that she has replayed it several times with pride. He told 7NEWS, “No, I have no regrets. I like to live by that, and it was very special. I’ve seen it a few times, I’m not going to lie.”
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Well, Virat Kohli’s heated clash with Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 led to the match officials taking action. Kohli was fined 20 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point for the incident.
While many former cricketers felt that Virat Kohli could even be suspended as the moment seemed like a Level 2 breach, the match officials considered it a Level 1 offence.
A Level 2 charge will give Kohli three to four demerit points and four points would mean an automatic one-Test ban. Since he got only one point, Kohli escaped suspension.
