Indian skipper Virat Kohli could face a one-match suspension over an argument with umpire Nitin Menon during the final over of Day 3 of the second Test against England.
The argument took place after India’s review resulted in an umpire’s call in favour of batsman Joe Root.
On the final over of the day, a delivery from Axar Patel deflected off Root’s pad, onto Rishabh Pant’s gloves. India made an appeal and eventually opted for a review after umpire Menon remained unmoved.
The review showed that there was no bat involved, and the ball’s impact on the pad resulted in umpire’s call in England’ favour. This led to a heated engagement between Kohli and Menon, which may now put the Indian captain in trouble.
Virat kohli angry on umpire#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/kToF4QBg8x
— Ashish Yadav (@ashishcricket24) February 15, 2021
The punishment for such an offence could bring Level 1 or Level 2 charges on Kohli, resulting in one to four demerit points. A total of four demerit points within 24 months result in a player being suspended for 1 Test/2 ODIs or T20Is. The Indian captain already has two demerit points to his name.
As per the ICC code of conduct, players could be reprimanded if they show ‘dissent at an umpire’s decision’ or are ‘arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the umpire about his/her decision’.
