Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his dissatisfaction with Virat Kohli following a fiery on-field confrontation during the opening day of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. Kohli, known for his fiery demeanor, was involved in a clash with Australia’s young opener Sam Konstas early on Day 1. The incident took place during the ninth over of the day, when both players shoulder-barged each other. Kohli, visibly irritated, turned around to give Konstas an intense glare and exchanged words with the 19-year-old.

Despite the heated moment, the International Cricket Council (ICC) deemed the incident a Level 1 offence, resulting in a 20% fine of Kohli’s match fees instead of a suspension. This came after former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that Kohli had been in the wrong. However, the 36-year-old star managed to avoid a more severe penalty.

Ravi Shastri, who had a close relationship with Kohli during his tenure as India’s head coach, weighed in on the matter. Speaking on Fox Cricket, Shastri called the clash “totally unnecessary,” adding, “You don’t want to see that. Virat’s a senior player, he’s been captain of the side, and while he’ll have his own explanations regarding that, it’s something you don’t want to see.”

Shastri further commented with a lighthearted remark about the situation, mentioning ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, who was overseeing the Boxing Day Test. Pycroft, marking his 100th Test match as a referee, will no doubt be keeping an eye on such incidents, Shastri joked.

Although Kohli was reprimanded with a fine, the incident was not the only time the Indian cricketer displayed frustration on Day 1. Later during the same day, a stump mic caught Kohli telling teammate Mohammed Siraj to “not smile while talking” to Australian players. This further highlighted Kohli’s animated mood throughout the match.

As for the match itself, Australia dominated Day 1, finishing with a strong total of 311/6 at stumps. All four of Australia’s top-order batsmen scored half-centuries, putting the hosts in a commanding position.

The clash between Kohli and Konstas, although minor in terms of penalties, has certainly grabbed attention, sparking conversations about the behavior of senior players on the field.

Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground saw Australia end the day at 311/6, holding a slight advantage despite a spirited Indian fightback led by Jasprit Bumrah.

Steve Smith, steady as ever, remained unbeaten on 68, joined by Pat Cummins (8*) at the crease. The day belonged to Australia’s batting lineup, which delivered a solid performance on a favorable pitch.

Debutant Sam Konstas was the highlight of the Australian innings, crafting an impressive 60 runs in his first Test appearance. The 19-year-old showcased maturity beyond his years, dispatching the Indian bowlers with confidence. His knock complemented the contributions from Usman Khawaja (57) and Marnus Labuschagne (72), who anchored Australia’s innings with composed fifties.

India’s bowling unit, spearheaded by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, kept the visitors in the contest. Bumrah’s figures of 3/75 reflected his knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments. Supporting him, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep each claimed a wicket to prevent Australia from running away with the game.

Australia’s playing XI featured a formidable lineup, including skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon. India fielded an interesting combination, with Rohit Sharma leading a side that featured young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside experienced campaigners Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.

As Day 1 concluded, the match remained finely poised. While Australia’s top order laid a strong foundation, India’s bowling ensured they stayed in contention, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.

The stakes remain high as both teams seek to assert dominance in this crucial encounter.

In a remarkable journey that intertwines academic excellence, athletic prowess, and cricketing brilliance, Pratika Rawal has emerged as India’s promising opening batter. At just 24 years old, Pratika’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and dedication.

A graduate in psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi, Pratika secured an impressive 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations. Her achievements, however, are not limited to academics. A gold medalist in basketball at the 64th School National Games in 2019, she has also displayed her talent across multiple sports disciplines.

Pratika’s passion for cricket took root early in life. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), nurtured her budding interest in the sport. At the age of 10, she joined the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, training under the legendary coach Sharvan Kumar. Despite being the academy’s first female trainee, Pratika’s enthusiasm and determination quickly earned her respect.

“She was a natural talent, but I always pushed her to work harder,” Sharvan recalls. “Her progress over the years has been phenomenal, and watching her don the Indian jersey is a proud moment for all of us.”

Pratika balanced cricket with her studies, excelling in both fields. She transitioned from Bal Bharati School to Modern School, Barakhamba Road, on the strength of her cricketing talent. The shift proved pivotal as it provided her access to better facilities and opportunities.

By 2021, Pratika had made headlines with a stunning 161-run knock for Delhi in her debut domestic season. Over the next two years, she amassed over 950 List A runs, cementing her reputation as a formidable batter. Her ability to adapt and refine her technique under coaches like Dipti Dhyani and Dishant Yagnik played a crucial role in her development.

“Initially, Pratika’s game was heavily leg-side dominant,” Yagnik, a former Rajasthan cricketer, explained. “We worked on her grip and balance, unlocking her potential to score freely on the off-side. This transformation made her a more versatile batter.”

Her adaptability extended to leadership roles, where she captained the Delhi U-23 team to the T20 Trophy final earlier this year. As she continues to shine in domestic cricket, her performances in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy have further solidified her place in the national setup.

Off the field, Pratika’s grounded demeanor endears her to peers and coaches alike. “She’s always been a team player, putting collective goals above personal milestones,” said Dhyani, who has closely mentored her through challenging phases in her career.

Now donning the national colors, Pratika’s ODI debut against the West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium marked a new chapter in her journey. For her father, who witnessed the match in Vadodara, and coach Sharvan Kumar, the moment was deeply emotional—a culmination of years of unwavering belief and hard work.

Pratika’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she embarks on her international career, her blend of academic rigor, sporting versatility, and cricketing skill sets her apart as a role model for aspiring athletes across the nation.