Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old batter who debuted for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, grabbed headlines after his memorable T20-style fifty in his very first Test innings, particularly after he played multiple aggressive shots against the world’s top bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. However, what also shot Konstas into instant fame was his bold field presence, particularly his on-field verbal with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.
Making his debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the 4th IND vs AUS Test, Konstas took on the Indian bowlers, audaciously scooping and ramping Bumrah, leaving everyone in awe. The Indian team made several attempts to get under his skin and tensions rose when Virat Kohli seemingly deliberately shoulder-barged the young Aussie between overs. This sparked a verbal exchange between the two, intensifying the atmosphere on the field.
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Sam Konstas Calls Virat Kohli A 'Lovely Person'
Now, the 19-year-old revealed that he had a conversation with Kohli after their intense encounter on the field, saying that the former Indian captain is a very ‘down to earth’ person.
"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him. 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 told News Corp.
Watch Virat Kohli’s on-field duel with Sam Konstas here:
Virat Kohli Is Very Kind: Sam Konstas
Konstas also revealed that Kohli wished him well for the future and that the Aussie’s family love him.
"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," Konstas added.