Ex-Australian skipper backs Indian in row over shoulder barging Sam Konstas
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has defended ViratKohli amid the controversy surrounding Kohli’s shoulder barge against Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test. Clarke emphasized that Kohli is not a “nasty” person but rather a competitive player who stands up for his team. Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket podcast, he noted that Kohli’s frustration likely stemmed from Konstas’ lack of respect toward JaspritBumrah, whom Clarke regards as the best bowler in the world.
Clarke remarked, “Virat is such a tough player. He will not take a backward step and never has throughout his career.” He justified Kohli’s actions as a reaction to Konstas’ aggressive batting, which had unsettled the Indian side. The incident occurred during a tense moment in the match, leading to Kohli receiving a 20% fine on his match fee and one demerit point from the ICC.
Despite some Australian media claiming that Kohli “got off lightly,” Clarke’s support highlights the complexities of competitive cricket and the emotions involved. As India prepares for their next challenge, the focus will remain on both players’ performances and how they handle the pressures of international cricket.