Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after MCG drama

Young Australia opener Sam Konstas has revealed his post-match chat with Virat Kohli after the Boxing Day Test drama at the MCG. Konstas told Kohli that he idolises the Indian batting great.

In Short

• Sam Konstas revealed his heartwarming exchange with Virat Kohli
• Konstas told Virat Kohli that he idolises the Indian batting great
• The Australian opener scored 113 runs in four innings of the BGT

Young Australian opener Sam Konstas has revealed his surprise post-match exchange with Indian batting great Virat Kohli following their fiery encounter during the high-octane Boxing Day Test. Despite the heated moments on the field, Konstas revealed a heartwarming post-match exchange with Kohli and reflected on the lessons from his fiery showdown with India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

The Boxing Day Test was a spectacle from the outset, with 19-year-old Konstas standing his ground against Bumrah, who was in scintillating form. Konstas stunned the crowd with audacious ramp shots, scoring 34 of his 60 runs off Bumrah and proving his mettle on cricket's grand stage. The confrontation escalated when an on-field collision between Konstas and Kohli led to a heated verbal exchange, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game."

Konstas described Kohli as "down to earth" and revealed that the Indian stalwart wished him well for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. "He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He’s truly a legend of the game."

After David Warner's retirement, Australia sought a reliable partner for Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, turning to young Sam Konstas for the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Konstas rewarded their faith with a scintillating debut, scoring a stroke-filled 60 off just 65 balls. His audacious knock included stunning ramp shots that saw him dispatch Jasprit Bumrah for a six and a four, leaving the Indian pacer visibly surprised. Konstas' aggressive approach not only rattled the Indian bowling attack but also sparked heated exchanges with Indian players, particularly Virat Kohli and Bumrah.

Konstas's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy showcased his potential, with 113 runs in four innings at a strike rate of over 81. His standout 60-run knock against Bumrah's fiery spells highlighted his fearless approach. Konstas also made significant contributions during Australia's ICC U19 World Cup 2024 triumph and the preceding Australia A series, underlining his rise as a promising talent in Australian cricket.