"Such a tough player" - Former Aussie skipper makes big statement on Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas incident in BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke called Virat Kohli a 'tough player' before defending his shoulder barge against 19-year-old Sam Konstas in the recently concluded fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test in Melbourne. With the five-match series tied at 1-1, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in the Boxing Day Test.

Debutant Konstas stunned ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah with a series of attacking shots to produce a stunning 65-ball 60. An ugly incident transpired when Kohli changed tracks to shoulder barge Konstas at the end of the 10th over of Australia's first innings, causing massive reactions from experts, fans, and players.

Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket podcast (via TOI) about the same, Clarke said:

"Virat is such a tough player. He will not take a backward step and never has throughout his whole career. I think Virat was getting frustrated with the lack of respect that Sam was showing as the best bowler in the world in Bumrah. I am sure he would have spoken to Sam after the game. Virat is a great guy. He is not a nasty person. I think it was Virat sticking up for his team."

Kohli was fined 20 percent of his match fee and earned one demerit point following the incident despite calls for his suspension for the final Test in Sydney from several quarters.

Virat Kohli continued his poor batting form in the Melbourne Test of BGT 2024-25

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: DEC 30 NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test - Source: Getty

Following his physical confrontation with Sam Konstas, Virat Kohli received lukewarm receptions from the packed MCG crowd for the rest of the match in Melbourne.

His batting suffered massively as the champion batter scored a combined 41 runs across two innings in India's 184-run defeat. It meant Kohli's poor run continued in the ongoing series, with the veteran averaging under 28 after four outings.

Kohli came into the Australian series on the back of a sub-par home series against New Zealand, averaging under 16 in three Tests with a lone half-century. His indifferent form has been a major cause of concern as India find themselves in a 1-2 hole after four Tests.

Team India must win the fifth and final Test in Sydney, starting January 3, to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.