Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq got into a furious argument during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, which rapidly turned into one of the most contentious scenes of the season. Amit Mishra, the former spinner for India, has offered more details after seeing the altercation.
At a game between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Lucknow, an incident took place.
Then-LSG coach Gautam Gambhir had to step in when what started out as on-field conflict turned into a post-match altercation. Mishra claims that an earlier Bengaluru match was where the dispute first arose.
“When we (LSG) won the match and Gambhir showed his aggression, that’s where it all began,” Gautam signalled for the public to remain silent as they were going crazy. That probably annoyed Virat Kohli. We believed that the issue would be resolved with the match, but not for Kohli, Mishra stated in a YouTube podcast alongside Shubhankar Mishra.
Following that, Naveen arrived at the dressing room and claimed that Virat Kohli began abusing: Amit Mishra
According to Mishra’s disclosure, Kohli behaved in an atypically hostile manner during the next game. He claimed that in addition to focusing on Naveen, Kohli also targeted other LSG players.
“In the Lucknow rematch between LSG and RCB, he began abusing our players.” Although he was abusive to Kyle Myers, he had no ill will towards him. He would also mistreat Naveen-ul-Haq when he was bowling. Several things could have been avoided, but Virat Kohli chose not to do them. Bohot cheezein avoid ho sakti thi,” he continued.
“I asked Kohli, ‘Who are you even talking to?’ as we were batting together with Naveen. He’s a child, nothing like you in terms of maturity. Whatever occurred, it happened. Returning the favour, he said, “You make him understand that, not me.”
During the handshakes that followed the game, things got heated. According to Mishra, Gambhir intervened to speak with the RCB batter after he overheard Kohli mistreating Naveen.
But following the game, the issue started. When they shook hands customarily, Kohli began abusing him once more. At that point, Gambhir asked, “Why are you starting it again when you guys have won and the game is over?” Mishra continued, “I pulled Gambhir away, but later Naveen came to the dressing room and stated that Kohli started abusing again.
Also Read: Avesh Khan describes Gautam Gambhir’s coaching style: ‘He would speak little but would express his message as to what has to be done’
Mishra raised concerns about the incident’s long-term effects, despite subsequent photos showing Kohli and Naveen shaking hands during the 2024 Indian Premier League season suggesting a public reconciliation.
“On social media, it appeared that their relationship was gone. However, do you believe Naveen will ever again respect Kohli? Mishra concluded, “What about the kids who witnessed the occurrence when a famous person abused others?
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