Despite On-Field Clash, Sam Konstas Calls Virat Kohli His 'Big Idol'
The aggressive young Australian opener picked out Virat Kohli's incredible wrist work as one of the attributes he wishes for in a dream batsman.
Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli may have been involved in a heated altercation during the Boxing Day Test at MCG last year, but Australia's rising young opener still holds the Indian batting legend in deep admiration as he revealed in an interaction with cricket.com.au. Konstas, who had got under Kohli's skin before the former India skipper shoulder-barged him, called him a 'big idol' while featuring him for his magnificent wrist work as he created his dream batsman.
'I feel his wrists are incredible. The way he accesses the leg side… I've been growing up watching him play. Big idol," Konstas said months after his on-field skirmish with Kohli raised eyebrows. At the time, the youngster tried to play down the incident and said 'emotions" had led to the feud that played out in front of a packed Melbourne crowd.
'I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn't quite realise; I was doing my gloves, then [there was] a little shoulder charge. But it happens in cricket," Konstas had told Channel 7 after hitting an adventurous 60 on debut that unsettled the Indians who had fought valiantly to keep the series levelled 1-1 until then. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fees and awarded one demerit point for controversially barging into the 19-year-old.
Apart from Virat Kohli, India's dependable No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara also found a place in Sam Konstas' list of ideal batting qualities. The young Australian opener praised Pujara for his solid technique and ability to occupy the crease for long periods.
'He was so technically sound. Likes to bat for a long period and he has been very solid," Konstas said, acknowledging Pujara's role in India's back-to-back Test series wins in Australia in 2018–19 and 2020–21.
Pujara's performances, especially in the 2018–19 series, were crucial to India's success. He scored centuries in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, firmly establishing himself as the backbone of India's batting lineup during that historic campaign.
Konstas also wishes for South African legend AB de Villiers' aggressive streak and 360-degree range apart from envying England maverick Jos Buttler's ramp shot, the stroke he played on multiple occasions against the mighty Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 at MCG. Konstas also admires Australian great Steve Smith and said he is keen to bat with him on the tour of the West Indies, starting Wednesday, June 25. 'He is the best in the world in my opinion and the one I look forward to batting together in the coming days," Konstas said.
First Published:
June 25, 2025, 18:05 IST
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