BGT 2024-25: "Can't hang a man.." Sunil Gavaskar defends Virat Kohli's fine after Konstas incident

Virat Kohli made physical contact with Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day test.

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has been a real battle for the Indians, with a string of on-field and off-field controversies.

The latest chapter in the high-voltage drama came on Day 1 of the Boxing Day test, with a physical clash between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. Making his international debut, Konstas rattled India with a quick-fire half century.

More than the runs, India was concerned with the manner in which the Aussie youngster took on Jasprit Bumrah. The 19-year-old New South Wales batter put on an exhibition, playing three ramp shots in a single over against the Indian vice-captain.

The Konstas-Kohli clash occurred at the end of the 10th over when Kohli bumped his shoulder into Konstas’ shoulder, sparking a heated exchange between the two players.

Following the incident, the International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Kohli 20 percent of his match fee and handed him one demerit point. The punishment, however, sparked a debate in the Australian media, with many arguing that it was too lenient.

Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has now shared his thoughts on the matter.

Sunil Gavaskar defends Virat Kohli’s fine after Konstas incident

Speaking to Star Sports during the lunch break on day 2, Gavaskar mentioned that given Kohli’s experience, such behavior was unexpected. However, he noted that the maximum applicable punishment has been imposed according to the law.

He said, “Yes, you would say that the punishment may be light, considering the experience that he has had. But, that’s the maximum punishment that is decided by the ICC, He has not been done any favour.“

He continued, “If, for example, the fine was 10 percent, then you could have said ‘ah, he has been done a favour’. But, the fine for a Level 1 offence is maximum a 20 percent. I am not 100 percent on that, but I am given to understand that there is one demerit point and a fine. That’s the maximum allowed, that’s what has been levied on him.“

Gavaskar further took a dig at the Australian media, accusing them of unfairly assuming that Kohli had been given special treatment.

He concluded, “No special favours have been done to him. You can’t hang a man for picking someone’s picket. That’s what the Australian media is asking for. The Australian media think they got away because he is Kohli. But, that is not the thing.“

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