(Source X)
The clash between Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq during IPL 2023 grabbed headlines, but the tension subsided when the two players reconciled during the India vs Afghanistan match at the ODI World Cup 2023. Earlier this year, they met and exchanged gracious greetings, signaling to fans that their differences were resolved.
The incident unfolded after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow last season. Kohli and Naveen were involved in a heated exchange during the customary handshakes, prompting Gautam Gambhir to intervene passionately. Following the altercation, fines were imposed by the IPL governing council on all three individuals.
Amit Mishra, the former India cricketer who witnessed the entire episode, recently shared his perspective on the incident during a YouTube podcast with Shubhankar Mishra. He recounted the sequence of events, shedding light on what transpired on the field that day.
“It all started in Bengaluru where we (LSG) won the game and Gambhir expressed his aggression. The public was going mad so Gautam gestured them to keep quiet. Probably Virat Kohli didn’t like that. We thought the matter ended with the game but not for Kohli,” Mishra said.
“He started abusing our players (in the LSG vs RCB rematch in Lucknow). He didn’t have any grudges with Kyle Myers but he abused him as well. Naveen-ul-Haq was bowling, he would abuse him too. Bohot cheezein avoid ho sakti thi but Virat Kohli ne nahi ki (Several things would have been avoided but Kohli didn’t do it).
“When I was batting with Naveen, I asked Kohli, ‘Who are you even talking to He’s just a youngster and not even close to your stature. Whatever happened has happened.’ He answered back, saying, “You make him understand that, not me.”
“But the problem began after the game. He (Kohli) started abusing him again during the customary handshakes. That’s when Gambhir intervened, questing why are you starting it again when the game has ended and you guys have won. I moved Gambhir away but Naveen later came to the dressing and said that Kohli started abusing again,” he added.
While fans were relieved to witness both cricketers shaking hands earlier this year during IPL 2024, Mishra holds the view that Naveen may not hold the same level of respect for Kohli as he did before the incident unfolded.
“For social media, it all seemed to be over between them. But do you think Naveen will respect Kohli ever again? What about the youngsters who saw the incident where a big star was abusing others,” Mishra wondered.
