Is Virat Kohli in danger of being banned from Sydney Test after Sam Konstas incident? Here's what ICC rulebook states

Virat Kohli shoulder bumped Sam Konstas while exchanging sides, leading to an exchange between the two. (AP Photo)

Virat Kohli is known for his aggressive behaviour, which at times has led him into trouble. A similar incident involving India's talismanic batter took place on Day 1 of the fourth India vs Australia Test in Melbourne. Kohli was caught in a brief but heated exchange with 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who gave Australia an excellent start after the hosts won the toss and opted to bat.

The incident took place after the conclusion of the tenth over as Kohli shoulder bumped Konstas while exchanging sides, leading to an exchange between the two. The verbal chatter between the two forced Usman Khawaja and on-field umpire to intervene and separate the duo.

Watch: Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas get into fiery exchange after mid-pitch bump, Usman Khawaja, umpire separate duo

The moment didn't take long to go viral on social media as fans were quick to criticise Kohli, calling the aggression "unnecessary". Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting commentating for Channel 7 at the moment felt Kohli was at fault.

"Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation," Ponting said on Channel Seven. "No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together.

"It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, wouldn’t even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer," he said.

Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri also called the antics by Kohli "unnecessary". "Absolutely unnecessary," Shastri told SEN. "I would imagine the match referee will look at it closely."

The incident has high chance of being reviewed by match referee Andy Pycroft, which we will only know after the close of play on Day 1.

What does the ICC Code of Conduct states?

As per the ICC rulebook "any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire."

So if the incident is reviewed all will depend on Pycroft's verdict. If the match referee deems the Konstas-Kohli contact a Level Two offence against either player, they will receive three or four demerit points. Four points are enough for a player to get suspended for the Sydney encounter, which starts from January 3.

A Level One offence would only result in match fee fine.

Sam Konstas on the incident

The 19-year-old addressed the incident while speaking to Channel 7 on the sidelines after getting dismissed. "I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn't quite realise, I was doing my gloves and a tap on my shoulder but it happens in cricket," he said.