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Virat Kohli has once again found himself in the spotlight for his heated altercation with Australian teenager Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the recent 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne.
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has sparked a fresh debate by suggesting Kohli should have faced a ban over the incident. Steve Harmison claimed the Indian cricket team’s superstar crossed the border by accompanying the young Australian to the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Steve Harmison calls for ban on Virat Kohli after controversial incident with Sam Konstas
The controversy unfolded when Virat Kohli appeared on the 19-year-old debutant’s shoulder as he was changing sides, leading to an intense stare down between the two players before the umpires intervened.
However, the former India skipper was fined 20% of his match fee and docked a demerit point but avoided suspension, which should not have happened according to the former England fast bowling. Harmison also warned Sam Konstas not to provoke opponents, especially with the high-pressure Ashes 2025 looming on the horizon.
Steve Harmison believes Virat Kohli’s behavior crossed a 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 keeping 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 off duty 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’s 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 stemmed from emotions, particularly after a heated exchange early in the match between jasprit bumrah and Sam Konstas.
He acknowledged that such moments happen in the high-pressure environment of a contested tie series. Meanwhile, Harmison suggested Konstas prioritize improving his defensive skills rather than trying to imitate. David Warnerplaying style of.
The former England pacer has pointed out that Sam Konstas has the firsts and the big shots, but has questioned whether he has the defensive technique for Test match 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 because he can be aggressive and has a good mentality 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 signed off by saying, “But I just think Sam wants to be David Warner, and technically, he’s not as good as Warner. If he continues to be verbally aggressive, he will face the consequences.
India is one thing, but The Ashes, with all the pressure that comes with it, is another level. I have no problem with him in India; he tried to rile them up because they were wasting time, and India got Khawaja out and won. But The Ashes will be a different challenge.”
