Virat Kohli’s fiery persona shone on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG. The stump mic caught his animated instructions and a tense moment with a young Australian batter.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne shared friendly banter during the game, but Virat Kohli’s fiery remark stole the show. Caught on the stump mic, Kohli instructed Siraj in Hindi, “Has ke baat nahi karna inse” (Don’t talk to them laughingly). This followed earlier exchanges between Siraj and Labuschagne in the series, highlighting Kohli’s demand for unwavering focus on the field.
Kohli’s aggression wasn’t the only tactical move from India. Captain Rohit Sharma guided spinner Ravindra Jadeja, urging him to exploit the pitch conditions. “Jaddu, ball bounce bhi ho raha hai, turn bhi ho raha hai,” Rohit was heard saying, emphasizing the surface’s turn and bounce.
The day wasn’t without controversy for Kohli. The former Indian captain faced scrutiny after an altercation with 19-year-old Sam Konstas on the Boxing Day Test’s opening day. Kohli appeared to deliberately bump into the young opener, who was aggressively tackling India’s fast bowlers after Australia chose to bat first in Melbourne.
The incident unfolded during the break between the 10th and 11th overs of Australia’s innings. As Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja switched ends, Kohli walked toward the young batter and collided with him. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, commenting live, suggested the contact was deliberate.
Replays revealed Kohli veered significantly to his right, seemingly aware of his path, while Konstas, focused on adjusting his gloves, unintentionally walked into him. “Have a look where Virat walks. He’s gone one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind,” Ponting told to the media.