Virat Kohli reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

The incident in question took place during the 25th over of South Africa's second innings, in which, Kohli persistently complained to the on-field umpire Michael Gough about the ball condition, saying that it was being affected by the damp outfield that was caused due to the sudden shower in Highveld. The Indian skipper also threw the ball into the ground "in an aggressive manner" which prompted the umpires for the match - Gough and Paul Reiffel, along with third umpire Richard Kettleborough and fourth umpire Allahudien Palekar - to penalise the 29-year-old.

However, Kohli acknowledged his misdemeanour and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Chris Broad after the end of day’s play which meant that there was no need for a formal hearing. 

Kohli was found to have breached Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.” Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.