The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia has sparked heated debates, both on and off the field. Virat Kohli’s shoulder-bump with 19-year-old Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the match became a central topic.

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The incident led to Kohli being fined 20% of his match fee and receiving a demerit point. While the International Cricket Council deemed the punishment suitable for a Level 1 offence, many in the Australian media and former cricketers criticized the decision as being too lenient.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has now stepped in to defend the ICC’s decision. He argued that the fine was in line with established protocols and said that no special favors were extended to Kohli.

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Gavaskar also addressed the harsh criticism from Australian media, saying their reaction was over the top.

What did Sunil Gavaskar say on Australian media?

Gavaskar dismissed claims that Kohli had been let off lightly. He explained that a Level 1 offence carries a maximum penalty of a 20% match fee fine and one or two demerit points.

“That’s the maximum punishment that the ICC has decided. No special favours have been done to him. If the fine was lower, like 10%, then you could argue he got off easy. But the ICC followed its rules. You can’t hang someone for picking a pocket. That’s what the Australian media is asking for,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports.

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What did Sunil Gavaskar say on comparisons with similar incidents?

Gavaskar highlighted other cases of physical contact in cricket to show that the punishment was consistent. He mentioned Ireland’s Josh Little, who was fined 15% of his match fee last year for making contact with Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

Similarly, Jasprit Bumrah received only a reprimand for physical contact with England’s Ollie Pope earlier this year.

“These are all Level 1 offences, and the punishments have been similar,” Gavaskar pointed out.

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Former Australian cricketers, including Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh, criticized the ICC for not imposing a harsher penalty on Kohli. The Australian media has also questioned whether Kohli was treated differently because of his stature in world cricket.

While opinions remain divided, Sunil Gavaskar has made it clear that the ICC acted within its rules. He believes the criticism from Australian media is unwarranted and overblown.