Virat Kohli was once again in the limelight for his heated altercation with Australian teenager Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. in Melbourne.
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has sparked a fresh debate by suggesting that Kohli should have been punished for the incident. Steve Harmison claimed the Indian cricket team’s superstar crossed the line by shouldering the Australian youngster in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Steve Harmison is calling for Virat Kohli to be banned after the controversial incident with Sam Konstas
Controversy developed when Virat Kohli appeared to shoulder the 19-year-old debutant as they switched sides, leading to an intense staredown between the two players before the umpires intervened.
However, the former India captain was fined 20% of the match fee and deducted one point but avoided suspension, which should not have happened according to the former England fast bowler. Harmison also warned Sam Konstas not to provoke opponents, especially with the high-pressure Ashes 2025 looming on the horizon.
Steve Harmison believes Virat Kohli’s behavior crossed the line and feels a ban would be a more appropriate punishment for the incident. He acknowledged Kohli’s significant contribution to the game but emphasized the importance of maintaining boundaries in the heat of the game.
Virat crossed the line at the MCG: Steve Harmison
Steve Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast: “What happened there with Kohli—Kohli was wrong and Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there is a limit and you must not cross it.”
However, Harmison refused to criticize the Indian cricket team’s raucous celebration after dismissing Usman Khawaja during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Sydney Test. The Englishman pointed out that the intense reaction came from emotions, especially after the heated discussion earlier in the match between Jasprit Bumrah and Sam Konstas.
He admitted that such moments happen in a high-pressure environment in a hotly contested series. Meanwhile, Harmison suggested Kontas should prioritize improving his defensive skills instead of trying to emulate David Warner’s style of play.
The former England player pointed out that Sam Konstas has the ball and big shots, but questioned whether he has the defensive technique for Test cricket against the best in the world.
Steve Harmison warns Sam Konstas ahead of Ashes 2025 after Virat Kohli incident
He said that if the young Australian pace sensation gets his defensive technique right, he can have a bright Test future as he can be aggressive and has a good mindset to attack with the ball.
warned that verbal aggression could work against India, but the pressure of the Ashes will be a much tougher test for him. Harmison signed off saying: “But I just think Sam wants to be David Warner and technically, he’s nowhere near as good as Warner. If he continues to be verbally aggressive, he will suffer the consequences.
India is one thing, but the Ashes – with all the pressure it brings – is a whole other level. I have nothing against what he tried in India; he tried to rile them up because they were wasting time and India got Khawaja out and won. But the Ashes will be a different challenge.”
