BGT 2024-25: "Sam Konstas' behaviour reminds me of a young Virat Kohli," says Sunil Gavaskar

Sam Konstas antics have brought out emotions from the Indians players and fans.

Sam Konstas‘ “upfront and provocative” antics in the BGT 2024-25 have reminded the legendary Sunil Gavaskar of a young Virat Kohli.

At the start of his career, Kohli was brash, oozed a lot of attitude and ego, and was unapologetic. The worst of his emotions came out on his trips to Australia. On the 2011/12 tour, he flipped his middle finger to the Australian crowd. On the 2014/15 tour, he talked about not respecting the Australian players in a fiery press conference.

But he made a strong statement with the bat on both those tours that would earn him respect from the Australian crowd and players.

Konstas has riled up the Indian players and fans plenty in his two-test career. At the MCG, while he blasted an entertaining fifty on debut, he was involved with the crowd very much. He imitated Kohli’s shoulder-barge to tease the fans.

More drama unfolded involving Konstas at the SCG late on day 1 when he got into a heated exchange with Jasprit Bumrah while the fast bowler was expressing displeasure at Usman Khawaja wasting time.

Speaking with India Today, Gavaskar said, “It’s not about the batting; it’s about what happens on the field when someone’s behaviour stirs things up. It reminds me of a young Kohli who is upfront and provocative, drawing reactions from the opposition. That’s exactly what we saw here. Just before the delivery that dismissed him, Sam Konstas had something to say to Jasprit Bumrah—something that really wasn’t his business at that stage. Naturally, Bumrah and the rest of the team responded, and things escalated from there.”

Sam Konstas getting a bit carried away with his new persona: Gavaskar

Gavaskar pointed out that Konstas’ mentor, the former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, was also surprised by the youngster’s extrovert mannerisms in these two tests.

The 75-year-old Indian commentator reckons the 19-year-old will need to rein in his behavior should, otherwise, he would become a constant target of the oppositions throughout his career.

“I think Konstas might be getting a bit carried away with this new persona. Even Shane Watson, who knows him well, has remarked that this behavior is surprising, as Konstas is usually a quiet and reserved person. It seems like his teammates may have encouraged this aggressive approach, but it’s something he’ll need to manage as his reputation grows. Whether in the short term or long term, if Konstas continues to be seen as a stirrer, he’ll be the one the opposition targets,” the former India opener concluded.

Konstas was dismissed for 23 in his first innings at the SCG by Mohammed Siraj on day 2.

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