The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has featured an engaging sideshow involving Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas, adding an entertaining layer to the high-quality cricket being played in Australia. Following the shoulder-check incident on the first day of the MCG Test, Konstas has rapidly gained popularity among the crowd, while the Australian supporters appear to have shifted their sentiments away from their previous admiration for India's batting legend.

Konstas has gained notoriety for his enthusiastic interactions with spectators at the stadiums, energizing them and attempting to elevate their spirits while fielding. This trend continued at his home ground, the SCG, where he encouraged his fellow New South Welshmen to engage as India commenced their batting innings.

However, at one point, Konstas found himself fielding in front of a predominantly Indian section of the crowd, who were vocally supporting their team. Demonstrating his good-natured spirit, Konstas made an effort to entertain these fans, including one individual who prominently displayed a sign proclaiming "King Kohli."

Broadcast cameras pictured Konstas seeing the sign and reacting, before beginning a round of applause as he tried to instill energy in the crowd. The 19-year-old has shown himself to be a loud and carefree character, establishing himself as a new hero of Australian cricket.

Tempers settle between Kohli-Konstas

Earlier this week, the brief altercation between Konstas and Kohli concluded as the two athletes posed for a photograph during the team's visit to Kirribilli House, the official residence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney. Observers noted that Konstas had previously declared Kohli as his favourite batsman during a media event at a recent U-19 tournament, and their joint photograph served as a reassuring sign for fans that their rivalry is confined to the field and has been set aside of it.

Additionally, Kohli was seen taking a picture with Konstas' brothers in Sydney, further suggesting that all involved have moved past the widely discussed incident.

Konstas was once again active during the New Year's Test at the SCG, successfully catching KL Rahul off the bowling of Mitchell Starc, thereby initiating the proceedings for the home team as they aim to secure their first Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in a decade. India entered the tea break at 107-4 under challenging conditions in Sydney.

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