New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Australian cricket prodigy Sam Konstas has opened up about his encounters with Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah during the Border-Gavaskar series. He shared insights about a conversation he had with Kohli following the shoulder-bump incident that occurred during the Boxing Day Test, mentioning he told the Indian superstar that he idolises him.
Konstas made his Test debut for Australia during the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, stepping in for Nathan McSweeney, and scored an impressive 60 runs off just 65 balls, delighting everyone by facing Bumrah with confidence in the early stages. Although Bumrah dismissed him in the second innings, Konstas has sparked excitement in Australia regarding his potential future.
"It was my first experience playing in front of a crowd of 90,000 on day one at the MCG, and I was simply in awe. Competing against legends like Kohli and Bumrah while being alongside icons like Steve Smith and Pat Cummins was a dream come true for me as a kid, and I was determined to absorb every moment. As a 19-year-old, I feel incredibly lucky to be gaining such valuable experience and learning from the best," Konstas told CODE Sports.
The young opener also found himself at the center of an intense on-field moment with Kohli during a captivating session when Kohli inadvertently bumped into him between overs while he was in the midst of a solid innings.
However, the 19-year-old later sought out Kohli for a conversation, where the Indian star extended his best wishes for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
"I had a brief discussion after the match, telling him that I idolise him, and it was truly an honour to compete against him. When I faced him, I thought, 'wow, it's Virat Kohli batting.' He possesses a remarkable presence, with the Indian crowd passionately chanting his name. It was an unforgettable experience," Konstas reflected.
"He was incredibly humble and a wonderful person, wishing me all the best for the Sri Lanka tour if I make the squad. My entire family adores Virat; I've looked up to him since childhood, and he truly is a legend of the sport," he added.
In the Sydney Test, Konstas encountered a heated exchange with Bumrah, which he explained arose from his attempt to delay the game to prevent India from bowling another over before the day's end.
"I thrive in competitive situations and aim to present my best effort. It was a learning experience for me. I was trying to buy a little time so they wouldn’t get another over. But Bumrah had the final say; he is world-class and took 32 wickets in the series. If I found myself in that situation again, I might choose to remain silent," he commented.
