Virat Kohli was labeled a ‘clown’ by Australian media following the Konstas controversy, prompting a strong response from Ravi Shastri
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has come under fire following his altercation with debutant Sam Konstas in Melbourne. Australian newspaper The West Australian ran a headline reading “Clown Kohli,” alongside an image of Kohli with a clown nose. The article described him as an “Indian sook” for his “pathetic bump” during Konstas’ dream Test debut. In Tasmanian slang, “sook” refers to someone who is perceived as cowardly or overly sensitive.
Ravi Shastri, responding to the controversy, spoke on Star Sports, saying, “You expect this kind of behavior in their home country. I wish our own country would stand up for our players more strongly in such situations. I’m not surprised at all, especially considering Australia hasn’t won here in 14–15 years. The last time they won a Test at the MCG was in 2011. So, when they get the chance, they’ll take it.”
“I’ve been to Australia many times, and it’s clear that the entire country gets behind their team—not just the fans, but the media as well. I’m not surprised, as I can sense their desperation. If Australia were already 3–0 or 2–0 up, the headlines might have been different,” Shastri added.
Virat Kohli Fined by ICC:
Virat Kohli faced criticism from several former cricketers following his altercation with Sam Konstas and was fined 20% of his match fee by the ICC.
In a statement on the matter, the ICC said, “Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and awarded one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.”
The international cricket body added, “No formal hearing was required as Kohli accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft.”
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