"Upfront and proactive" - Former India great makes massive Sam Konstas-Virat Kohli comparison after Day 1 of BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar compared Aussie teenager Sam Konstas' antics to those of a young Virat Kohli after Day 1 of the fifth Test in Sydney. Konstas debuted for Australia in the previous Test at Melbourne, scoring a crucial 65-ball 60 in the first innings of Australia's 184-run win.

Kohli physically confronted the 19-year-old on Day 1 of the Melbourne outing and Konstas has since been an irritant among the Indian players. He got involved in a heated exchange with stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah with a ball to go on Day 1 of the ongoing Sydney Test.

Unfortunately for Konstas, the move backfired as Bumrah struck on the final delivery of the day to remove Usman Khawaja.

Speaking to India Today after play on Day 1, Gavaskar drew comparisons between Konstas and a young Virat Kohli by saying:

"It's not about the batting; it's about what happens on the field when someone’s behavior 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."

He added:

"Konstas has suddenly become a figure who gets under the skin of the opposition. He did it in the first innings when no one expected it, and in the second innings, Bumrah had the perfect reply by getting him out."

Konstas was brought into the side to partner Khawaja, as Nathan McSweeney cleared the opening slot after the first three Tests.

"Konstas might be getting a bit carried away with this new persona" - Sunil Gavaskar

Australia v India - Men's 5th Test Match: Day 1 - Source: Getty

Sunil Gavaskar warned Sam Konstas not to get carried away with his new aggressive persona.

The youngster started Day 2 in style, racing to 23, before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj.

"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," said Gavaskar.

Meanwhile, Konstas' dismissal was one of three Australian wickets to fall at the start of Day 2 as the hosts sunk to 39/4 in the 12th over. The hosts bowled India out for a sub-par 185 in their first innings on the opening day.