The young 19-year-old Sam Konstas announced his arrival in international cricket with a blazing fifty in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne which shook the Indian bowling attack to its core. This Test will also be famously remembered for the in-famous shoulder barge incident that took place between Konstas and Kohli. 

In a show of defiance, the Indian batting legend altered his course while walking to the other end and deliberately bumped his shoulder with Konstas in the heat of the moment. Soon after, the incident drew widespread condemnation from the Australian supporters and Kohli was subsequently reprimanded by the match referee and fined 20% of his match fee along with one demerit point to his name.

See also: Watch: Kohli registers major milestone in BGT; Smashing six hits guard

Konstas visualises Kohli as his "idol"

Following the conclusion of the fourth Test, both Konstas and Kohli buried the hatchet. During his conversation with CODE Sports, the 19-year-old admitted that he sees Kohli as an idol and looks up to him as a source of inspiration. In return, Kohli also wished him well for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour which is scheduled to start later this month.

"Virat Kohli was very down to earth. A lovely person and I had a little chat after the game, telling him that I idolize him - wishing me all the best saying hopefully I go well on the tour of Sri Lanka he said if I’m in."

Konstas further adds that he is not the only one who is a big fan of Kohli. Being a living legend of the game, his entire family has been idolizing Kohli from a very young age. 

“My whole family loves Virat. I’ve idolized him from a young age and he’s a legend of the game.”   

Konstas's next assignment in international cricket

As the dust settles on the high-octane BGT Test series, Konstas will now participate in a few BBL games and play for Sydney Thunder under the leadership of David Warner before heading to the UAE for preparatory camp work. The 19-year-old justified his selection over an out-of-form McSweeney in that series and it is highly probable that we could see him feature in his first international assignment in the subcontinent against Sri Lanka from January 29 onwards.