ICC likely to punish Virat Kohli for shouldering Sam Konstas: Sources

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to review the on-field altercation involving batting star Virat Kohli and Australian teenage debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Kohli appeared to deliberately bump into the young Sam Konstas, who had been aggressively taking on the Indian fast bowlers after Australia won the toss and chose to bat in Melbourne.

During the break between the 10th and 11th overs of the Australian innings, Konstas and Usman Khawaja were switching ends when Kohli walked toward the young batter and collided with him. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, commentating at the time, remarked that he believed Kohli had made deliberate contact. Replays revealed that Kohli was fully aware of his trajectory, while Konstas, with his head down and adjusting his gloves, unintentionally walked into the Indian batter.

According to a senior source within the ICC, the incident has not gone unnoticed and could lead to disciplinary action against the veteran Indian batter. "It is now up to the match referee and umpires to review the footage and assess the situation. They may call the players involved for explanations," the source revealed.