"I had a little chat after the game" - Sam Konstas breaks silence on Virat Kohli controversy after BGT 2024-25

Young Australian opener Sam Konstas recently opened up on the shoulder barge from Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 19-year-old said that he had a chat with the former Indian skipper following the intense showdown between the two cricketers.

Konstas, making his debut in Melbourne, took on the Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, leaving everyone surprised. The entire Indian team tried to get under his skin, and it escalated when Kohli collided with the young Aussie between overs. It led to a verbal exchange between the two cricketers, which further charged up the atmosphere.

Calling him 'down to earth', Konstas revealed that it was a huge honor for him to play alongside Kohli. The youngster also said that the Indian cricketer wished him luck for the Sri Lanka series.

In an interview with News Corp via India Today, Sam Konstas said:

"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolize him, and it's obviously a huge honor playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolized him from a young age and he's a legend of the game."

"He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He’s truly a legend of the game," he added.

---

Sam Konstas likely to be dropped for Sri Lanka series - Reports

Sam Konstas, who generated a lot of buzz for his attacking cricket against India in Melbourne and Sydney, could sit out the upcoming Sri Lanka series, according to a report in Yahoo News.

According to the aforementioned report, the selectors view Travis Head as the best opener on the spin-friendly tracks in Sri Lanka. The southpaw has struggled batting in the middle order against spinners, which is why the selectors want to get the best out of him when the ball is new.

With Usman Khawaja almost certain for the other opening slot, Konstas might have to make way for Head after playing just two Tests.