Afghanistan pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has once again opened up about his heated rivalry with Virat Kohli during the IPL 2023 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants.
Both Naveen-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli were involved in a war of words on the field of play after Kohli allegedly hit Naveen during the game. The fight went to the next level when LSG’s mentor at the time, Gautam Gambhir, was also involved in the incident after the game.
Unsurprisingly, Naveen was subjected to brutal attacks from all sides for getting involved in a fight with the biggest superstar of Indian cricket at that time. He was even targeted on social media across various platforms. He was repeatedly harassed when he came to the ground.
However, during the 2023 ODI World Cup match between India and Afghanistan in Delhi, both Naveen and Kohli hugged each other to end this delightful rivalry. While hugging Naveen, Kohli reportedly said that the crowd would not bully him anymore.
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Naveen-ul-Haq recalls heated rivalry with Virat Kohli in IPL
In a video posted by Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 team Texas Super Kings on social media, Naveen-ul-Haq recalled those moments when he was involved in a fight with Virat Kohli.
The fast bowler made it clear that it was just in the heat of the moment. He also added that both players were passionate and looking to give their all for the franchise, which probably led to that moment.
“I don’t have the count, but many times already (when asked how many times he has been asked about this incident before), I have been asked and I have made it clear as well. It was in the heat of the moment. He was representing his franchise (and) I was playing for my franchise. That’s what I do. If it’s for my country or for my franchise, I will give it my all,” Naveen-ul-Haq said in the video uploaded by TSK.
Naveen connects with King Kohli! #WhistleForTexas #AllYouNeedIsYellove #CognizantMajorLeagueCricket #MLC2024 pic.twitter.com/qshjxUpN5r
— Texas Super Kings (@TexasSuperKings) July 17, 2024
Naveen also blamed social media for not forgetting the incident and trying to create headlines. He added that the rivalry came to an end at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“I won’t give up and at the end of the day, we are all players. Some of us are close friends and some of us are just colleagues and players. We just let it go and it’s nothing personal to carry on off the field. But yes, social media nowadays goes on and on until they get some of it. But in the ODI World Cup, it’s over once and for all,” Naveen concluded.
Naveen-ul-Haq is currently representing Texas Super Kings in the 2024 MLC. So far, he is having an average tournament with just 1 wicket in four matches so far at an average of 116 and an economy rate of 9.66. The right-handed bowler played a key role in Afghanistan’s run to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.