Afghanistan and Lucknow Super Giants pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been in the limelight over the last few days in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. And it is since the infamous on-field spat he had with Virat Kohli at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow after LSG’s loss to RCB in a tense clash.
The emotions were running high in that match which was highly competitive and hard-fought until the very last second with the conditions being ever-so challenging to score runs. It all kicked off when Naveen was batting in the second innings and it was towards the business end of the game.
There were a few words exchanged between Kohli and the Afghan star during which Kohli pointed his fingers towards the underside of the foot. It is still not clear what exactly was spoken during the time but it did not go down particularly well with the LSG pacer. After the match during handshakes among players from both sides, the reunion of the duo was not particularly friendly as Naveen held Kohli’s hand firmly and uttered a few words in an animated manner.
The altercation went on for a few minutes with LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir also getting into the act and hurling a few words to the RCB star. This has seemingly carried over off the field as well for the two players involved with both sharing cryptic posts on social media platforms later on.
It’s not my habit: Naveen
Naveen, in an interview with his fellow LSG pacer Avesh Khan, made a stunning claim over his stance on-field sledging. He said that it is not his “habit” to sledge someone upfront. And this has caused quite an uproar and backlash from fans on social media platforms.
Notably, this is not the first time Naveen was involved in an on-field spat with opponents. He formerly also had an altercation with Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi in PSL 2020, Australian D’Arcy Short in BBL 2022 and Sri Lankan Thisara Perera in LPL 2023.
Here is how fans reacted to Naveen’s statement:
Qualifiers mein agar miley toh taab 4 umpires lagana padega
1 lsg ke dugout pe aur ek rcb ke dugout pe baaki do toh field mein alert ? rehta pic.twitter.com/WlXLqBUZIa— jetha hi?ler ? (@sterns_haschen) May 12, 2023
I think rcb fans and virat fans .. end that topic move on.. bus ho Gaya wo incident
— Nitin jain(Sachinsuperfan) (@NitinSachinist) May 12, 2023
?? it's like gambhir and shahid afridi talking about peace,and fair game Hollymoly?…..off course kohli already crossed line in sledging decade back everyone knows dt and no way these two forgiven by rcb and virat fans after wt they did and doing ??.
— Vamsi (@Kr17Vamsi) May 12, 2023
????? pic.twitter.com/4KcBBkhj9C
— Mr. President (@ViratGOATli) May 12, 2023
2 attitude boys doing their own interviews. This is next level comedy .
— vamsieee speaks (@vamsiRebel97) May 12, 2023
— Pratham (@Pratham7340) May 12, 2023
Gaamdu pic.twitter.com/roP9DjFSNx
— cookie? (@crumble_05) May 12, 2023
its like heyyy ask me this que…
and then I'll give this answer…..nice shoot NOW PACKUP?????
— afkguy (@VenomskullG) May 12, 2023
Hatred for Avesh Khan has also gone up,
No performance, over aggressive.
Sad to see.
Had high expectations with him.— Shrey (@selectorshrey) May 12, 2023
Kohli saab in his mind about Naveen: pic.twitter.com/Z3Wmvy63Qj
— Ujjawal Raj (@barcablood_uzwl) May 12, 2023
Thankfully Gambhir isnt anywher near this Indian Cricket Team setup. Such a bad spirit of cricket. Rather thn calmin naveen post tht incident whole unit of LSG mocking and pinching a fighter like kohli again and again.
— V??†a?? ????? (@vintagerowdy) May 12, 2023
