India batter Virat Kohli nearly got into a confrontation with fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, December 27.
The incident happened on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test match when Virat Kohli was walking back to the pavilion after getting dismissed by Scott Boland.
Kohli was booed by a section of the MCG fans, which triggered the senior batter. Kohli turned around after entering the MCG tunnel and proceeded to stare down the people that were jeering him. Fortunately, before things got out of hand, a member of the MCG security arrived at the place and calmed Virat Kohli down – taking him through the tunnel.
The incident happened in the first hour of play between India and Australia on Day 1 of the MCG Test.
After Konstas targetted Jasprit Bumrah early in the innings, hitting him for multiple sixes, Kohli proceeded to rile up the young batter. The duo crossed paths between the 9th and 10th over of the Australian innings.
Walking in opposite directions near the pitch, neither gave way, resulting in a deliberate shoulder bump. Kohli stopped and turned, seemingly challenging the young batter, while Konstas did not back down. A verbal exchange ensued, drawing the attention of Usman Khawaja, who diffused the situation with a smile and an arm around Kohli.
Match officials intervened to calm things further. “Have a look where Virat walks. Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” Ricky Ponting said in the commentary.
Virat Kohli’s Terrible Final Half Hour on Day 2
Virat Kohli batted really well with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final session of the Test match. However, they were not able to close the day on a strong note. After completing a 100-run partnership, Kohli was involved in a terrible mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal which resulted in a run-out of the young left hander.
Only 7 balls later, Virat Kohli also went back to the pavilion after edging Scott Boland to the keeper. As Kohli was going out, he got involved in one more incident with fans, mentioned above.