January 7, New Delhi [India]: In response to the bumping incident between Australia’s Sam Konstas and India’s Virat Kohli, former cricket player Sunil Gavaskar said that it was “simply not cricket.”

One event grabbed the headlines for days on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, which was attended by a sold-out crowd. When Konstas faced Jasprit Bumrah, who is now regarded as the finest bowler in the world, the whole event began to escalate.

The 19-year-old surprised everyone by hitting a six with a flawless ramp shot from Bumrah over wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s head. The Australian fans yelled and rejoiced in delight, reducing the Indian squad to stillness at that time.

Both Bumrah and the Indian squad were in disbelief. Konstas continued to charge at him after that, picking up boundaries with ease.

At the MCG, a single incident added even more spiciness and fury as Konstas did all in his power to hammer the bowlers. The rookie and Kohli exchanged words after Kohli bumped the debutant’s shoulder at the conclusion of the tenth over.

Attempts were made to calm the two players by Usman Khawaja, who was batting at the opposite end. Despite the opinions of cricket fans and past players, Gavaskar said that Kohli’s response was “simply not cricket.”

Nevertheless, Kohli’s actions about the shoulder bump are just not appropriate for cricket. Indians are not afraid to strike back if provoked, but in this case, there was just no provocation. Gavaskar noted in his column in The Sydney Morning Herald, “The one thing that players learn with experience is that it’s futile to try and get back at the crowds, who have come to have a good time, so booing players is never personal but just a way to entertain themselves.”

Kohli had a few conversations with the Australian supporters throughout the series. The Indian star was booed by the home fans without hesitation, and Kohli responded without hesitation.

Virat chose to make fun of the SCG’s supporters during the first session of the last BGT Test after being agitated with the Australian audience.

He was seen mimicking moments during the 2018 Australian tour of South Africa that included the sandpaper issue. In a subtle allusion to the notorious episode, Virat turned to the audience and displayed his empty pockets.

“Reacting to it doesn’t help the player; on the contrary, it makes things worse. Gavaskar said, “Kohli needs to realize that anything he does in response to the crowd actually puts more pressure on his teammates, who are then singled out by the fans.”

Aside from his theatrics on the field, Kohli has had trouble staying disciplined since he scored an undefeated Test century in Perth. Venues varied over the series, but his dismissal was always done in the same way.

Kohli was often tempted to take a drive by the outside off-stump deliveries. Kohli lost his wicket by edging towards the wicketkeeper or the slip when his fight finally gave up.

With a 3-1 series loss, India was unable to defend BGT as Australian pacers took advantage of Kohli’s vulnerability and restricted his run total to only 190 runs at an average of 23.75 in eight innings.

“With his continued failures to avoid nibbling at the deliveries around the off-stump, he failed to make the contribution that could have boosted the total,” Gavaskar remarked of Kohli’s performance.