OTD 2023: Virat Kohli-Naveen-ul-Haq engage in heated IPL verbal spat
On this day in 2023, Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq were involved in a fiery on-field exchange during an IPL match between RCB and LSG in Lucknow.
On this day (May 1) in 2023, one of the most heated moments of the IPL (Indian Premier League) took place when Virat Kohli and Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq were involved in a fierce on-field altercation. The incident, which occurred during the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, saw the duo confronting each other in front of a packed stadium and millions watching at home.
It all started when Kohli urged his bowlers to use short-pitched deliveries against Naveen and LSG’s tailenders. The Afghan took offence and responded during the match, leading to a heated exchange that extended into the post-match handshakes.
The situation escalated with the involvement of the then LSG mentor, Gautam Gambhir, who came forward when Kohli tried speaking to Kyle Mayers. Gambhir’s confrontation with his former Indian teammate escalated the incident even further. Players from both teams stepped in to separate the two, with both Virat Kohli and Gambhir being fined for breaching the IPL code of conduct.
Naveen, too, didn’t shy away from taking the matter to social media, posting cryptic images, including a viral mango post and a clip of the star RCB batter's early dismissal in a later IPL game. The online trolling of the Afghan speedster was never-ending following the incident, with Indian fans targeting him across platforms for his perceived disrespect towards one of the country’s most beloved cricketers.
Six months later, during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, India and Afghanistan faced off at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 11. The match brought the two players face to face for the first time while representing their respective nations.
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Kohli-Naveen rivalry ended with a hug
In a surprising gesture, the 36-year-old batter took the initiative to resolve the argument. When Rohit Sharma walked off the field after his innings, Naveen approached Kohli, and the two shared a handshake, a few laughs, and ultimately a hug, which triggered cheers from the crowd. Naveen later revealed that it was Kohli who initiated the gesture, telling him that the incident was in the past and the duo should move on.
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