'My whole family loves him' - Sam Konstas shares conversation with his idol Virat Kohli after BGT series

Sam Konstas, a young Australian opener, has shared his unexpected post-match conversation with Indian batting legend Virat Kohli after their intense duel during the intense Boxing Day Test. Konstas shared a touching post-match conversation with Kohli. He also considered the lessons he learned from his intense encounter against India's top bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, despite the fierce circumstances on the field.

Bumrah was in terrific form, and 19-year-old Konstas stood his ground against him, making the Boxing Day Test an exciting show. By hitting 34 of his 60 runs off Bumrah and demonstrating his abilities on cricket's biggest platform, Konstas astounded the audience with daring ramp smashes. An on-field collision between Konstas and Kohli resulted in a furious verbal altercation, which heightened the already tense situation. 

"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas was quoted as saying by News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game."

Sam Konstas called Kohli "down to earth" and said the Indian legend wished him luck on the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka. "He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He’s truly a legend of the game."

Sam Konstas made an instant impact

For the last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches, Australia looked to young Sam Konstas as a dependable partner for Usman Khawaja at the top of the order following David Warner's retirement. Konstas rewarded their confidence with a brilliant debut, hitting a brilliant 60 off just 65 balls.

The Indian pacer was taken aback by his daring knock, which featured breathtaking ramp shots that saw him hit Jasprit Bumrah for a six and a four. In addition to rattling the Indian bowling attack, Konstas' aggressive style provoked furious arguments with Indian players, especially Virat Kohli and Bumrah.

Konstas demonstrated his promise in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring 113 runs at a strike rate of more than 81 in four innings. He demonstrated his gutsy approach with a remarkable 60-run knock against Bumrah's blistering deliveries. Konstas's emergence as a potential talent in Australian cricket was further highlighted by his noteworthy efforts during Australia's victory in the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 and the Australia A series that preceded it.