From ‘GOAT’ to ‘clown’: Virat Kohli slammed after shoulder bump incident

Virat Kohli found himself at the center of controversy after an on-field altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas on the first day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The incident occurred during the 10th over when Konstas, the 19-year-old Australian opener on debut, played aggressively against Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah, causing concern among the Indian fielders.

As the over came to a close, Kohli and Konstas collided shoulders. Umpires and Australian batter Usman Khawaja intervened to defuse the situation.

The incident quickly went viral on social media, leading to calls for a potential one-match suspension for Kohli. He was fined been fined 20% of his match fee and received a demerit point after an altercation with Australia’s Sam Konstas

The Australian media reacted strongly, with one headline in The West Australia newspaper branding Kohli a "clown" and including a picture with a baby’s feeder in his mouth, further fueling the controversy. Indian fans were outraged by the criticism.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who was commentating during the match, said he had no doubt that Kohli had initiated the contact. “Look at where Virat walks. Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” Ponting said.

In contrast, Konstas downplayed the confrontation in the post-day press conference, explaining that he was adjusting his gloves when Kohli made contact. He suggested that the clash was accidental and that Kohli hit him by mistake.