Virat Kohli once again found himself in the limelight due to his heated altercation with Australian teenager Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Melbourne.
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has sparked a fresh debate by suggesting that Kohli should have been banned for the incident. Steve Harmison has claimed that the Indian cricket team's superstar crossed the line by shouldering the young Australian in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Steve Harmison calls for ban on Virat Kohli after controversial Sam Konstas incident
The controversy unfolded when Virat Kohli appeared to accompany the 19-year-old debutant as he swapped heads, leading to an intense staredown between the two players before the umpires intervened.
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However, the former Indian captain was fined 20 per cent of his match fee and docked a demerit point but avoided suspension, which should not have happened, according to the former England fast bowler. Harmison also warned Sam Konstas against challenging opponents, especially with the high-pressure Ashes 2025 looming on the horizon.
Steve Harmison believes Virat Kohli's behavior crossed the line and believes a ban would have been a more appropriate punishment for the incident. He acknowledged Kohli's significant contributions to the game but emphasized the importance of maintaining boundaries in the heat of the game.
Virat crossed the line at the MCG: Steve Harmison
Steve Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast: “What happened with Kohli there — Kohli was disappointed and Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there is a line and you don't cross it.”
However, Harmison refused to criticize the Indian cricket team's spirited celebration after dismissing Usman Khawaja during the Sydney Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Englishman pointed out that the intense reaction came out of emotions, especially after a heated exchange at the start of the match between jasprit bumrah and Sam Konstas.
He acknowledged that such moments happen in the high-pressure environment of a hotly contested game series. Meanwhile, Harmison suggested Konstas prioritize improving his defensive skills instead of trying to imitate David Warnerhis style of play.
The former England pacer pointed out that Sam Konstas has big spoons and shots, but questioned whether he has the defensive technique for Test cricket against the world's best.
Steve Harmison warns Sam Konstas ahead of Ashes 2025 after Virat Kohli incident
He said if the young Australian pace sensation gets his defensive technique right, he can have a bright future in the Test as he can be aggressive and has a good mindset to attack the ball.
warned that verbal aggression could work against India, but the pressure of the Ashes will be a much tougher test for him. Harmison concluded by saying: “But I think Sam wants to be David Warner and technically he's nowhere near as good as Warner. If he continues to be verbally aggressive, he will face consequences.
India is one thing, but the Ashes – with all the pressure it brings – is a whole other level. I have no problem with him going to India; he tried to annoy them for wasting time and India got Khawaja out and won. But the Ashes will be a different challenge.”