The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 witnessed a clash between Virat Kohli, a star batter for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Naveen-ul-Haq, a young seamer for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This altercation quickly became one of the most talked-about controversies of the season. Recently, former Indian spinner Amit Mishra shared more details about the incident.
What did Amit Mishra say about the incident?
The tension began during a match between RCB and LSG in Bengaluru. According to Mishra, Kohli was unhappy with LSG's win and the celebratory gestures of their mentor, Gautam Gambhir.
“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 explained.
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What was the on-field conflict?
In the rematch in Lucknow, Kohli’s behaviour took a confrontational turn. Mishra revealed that Kohli targeted multiple LSG players, including Naveen-ul-Haq and Kyle Mayers.
“He started abusing our players. He didn’t have any grudges with Kyle Mayers, 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 could have been avoided, but Kohli didn’t),” Mishra said.
What happened post-match?
The situation worsened during the post-match handshakes. Mishra described how Kohli’s aggressive behaviour continued, which led to Gambhir intervening.
“He (Kohli) started abusing him again during the customary handshakes. That’s when Gambhir intervened, questioning 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,” Mishra added.
Images of Kohli and Naveen shaking hands during the 2024 IPL season suggested a public reconciliation. However, Mishra expressed doubts about the true resolution of the conflict.
“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 concluded.
While public gestures may suggest reconciliation, the long-term impact on the players' respect and relationships remains uncertain.
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