NEW DELHI: Young Australian batter Sam Konstas opened up about his ‘shoulder bump’ encounter with Indian star Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Reflecting on the intense showdown and a post-match conversation, the 19-year-old described Kohli as “down to earth” and expressed his admiration for the former Indian captain.
In an interview with CODE Sports, Konstas revealed that he had the opportunity to chat with Kohli after the match, sharing how much he idolised him.
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“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 said. “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.”
Recalling the surreal moment of facing Kohli on the field, Konstas said, “When I did verse him, I was like, ‘Wow, Virat Kohli is batting.’ He just had that presence about him, all the Indian crowd getting amongst it. Chanting his name. It was quite surreal.”
Kohli’s words of encouragement left a lasting impression on the young batter. “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.
The interaction highlights Kohli’s influence not just as a cricketer but also as a role model for aspiring players worldwide. For Konstas, the experience of sharing the field with his childhood hero will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory in his budding career.
