NEW DELHI: Ravi Shastri likened Australia’s teenage sensation Konstas himself to Indian legend Virender Sehwag following Konstas’s electrifying debut knock of 60 off 65 balls in the fourth Test against India.
Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri praised Konstas’s fearless stroke play, drawing comparisons to Sehwag’s explosive style. “He’ll have his odd failures, but when he gets going, he’s born to entertain,” Shastri remarked. The former Indian coach added that Konstas’s ability to dominate bowlers and take chances early in his career echoes Sehwag’s impact when he burst onto the international scene.
Analysing the match situation after Day 1, Shastri acknowledged India’s late fightback, leaving Australia at 311/6, but cautioned about the pitch’s changing nature. “Australia still has the upper hand with runs on the board, but uneven bounce could come into play, making those runs crucial,” Shastri observed.
Konstas, playing in front of a packed MCG, wowed fans with his aggressive approach, highlighted by audacious shots against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Despite a fiery exchange with Virat Kohli and some missed opportunities early in his innings, the debutant showed remarkable poise, delivering the third-fastest Test debut fifty by an Australian. While Konstas’s departure, trapped by Ravindra Jadeja, halted his momentum, his performance remains a talking point, marking him as a player to watch.
Day 1 ended with Smith anchoring Australia’s innings, supported briefly by tailender Pat Cummins. With India pulling back momentum through late strikes, Day 2 promises another enthralling chapter, with both teams vying for control. As Shastri aptly noted, Konstas’s performance underscores his immense potential to evolve into a key entertainer for Australia in the years to come.
