4th Test: Gavaskar Calls Kohli's Fine a Mere Ticking Off After Collision with Konstas

Melbourne, Dec 27 (NationPress) Iconic India batsman Sunil Gavaskar asserts that the fine levied on Virat Kohli for a shoulder collision with Sam Konstas on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test is nothing more than a "slap on the wrist". He hopes that Kohli, a renowned figure in cricket, is not primarily remembered for this minor incident.

During the match on Thursday, following the conclusion of the 10th over of Australia's innings, Kohli appeared to alter his path, resulting in an inappropriate shoulder bump against Konstas, who scored 60 runs off 65 deliveries in his debut.

Kohli was subsequently fined 20 percent of his match fee and received a demerit point after being found guilty of violating Level 1 of Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

“That’s akin to a slap on the wrist. All these athletes are well-compensated professionals, and any fine should serve as a meaningful deterrent,” Gavaskar stated.

“I suspect that the fine has to adhere to certain stipulations, which explains why the ICC match referee acted in accordance with established guidelines,” he added.

“However, I genuinely hope that Kohli, being one of the greatest cricketers of all time, is not chiefly recognized for this. His legacy should be defined by his batting prowess and the enthusiasm he has injected into Indian cricket,” Gavaskar remarked on Channel Seven.

Conversely, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting opined that Kohli's fine was insufficient. “I understand there are precedents for fines ranging from 15 to 25 percent, but let’s consider the significance of yesterday’s events,” he commented.

“This day of cricket is arguably the most viewed one of the year globally. If a similar incident occurs in a local game, what implications will that hold? It could lead to the perception that such behavior is acceptable,” he warned.

“Unfortunately for someone like Virat, as players and captains, we were often reminded that standards differ for certain individuals. He is a role model, someone whom the cricketing community admires. Therefore, I personally feel the fine was not stringent enough,” he stated on Fox Cricket.

Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri believes Kohli will reflect on his actions with regret and should consider himself fortunate that the penalty did not lead to a suspension from the upcoming Sydney Test.

“In hindsight, Kohli may feel he was lucky with this punishment. Umpires take into account players' past behaviors and records over time when determining penalties,” Shastri remarked.

“The last thing we want to see on the cricket field is any form of physical contact. This is a sport, and there are boundaries that should not be crossed. Kohli has been a captain and a senior player for over a decade and a half, and I doubt he will take pride in this incident when he reflects on it,” he added.

“One can only hope he learns from this experience. Mistakes happen, and in heated moments, things can go off track, but I am confident he will respond differently if faced with a similar situation again,” he concluded.

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist questioned the rationale behind financial penalties as a means to deter players from improper conduct on the field. “I doubt that a monetary fine will significantly impact any of these players. They earn considerable sums, and it won’t alter their behavior much,” he expressed.

“Moreover, the fine and one demerit point are the same consequences incurred by Mohammad Siraj and Travis Head during a verbal confrontation, which was merely a momentary lapse. Yet, Kohli received the same level of punishment,” he noted.