The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its thrilling matches and intense rivalries, but the 2023 season witnessed an incident that escalated tensions both on and off the field. The confrontation between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowler Naveen-ul-Haq became a significant talking point, drawing in various personalities, including LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka.
The spark of controversy between Virat Kohli and Naveen ul Haq
During a match on May 1, 2023, Kohli and Naveen found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange. The situation intensified after Kohli’s RCB won to LSG in a nail-biting finish at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The tension was palpable between the two teams, verbal exchanges between Kohli and Afghan bowler during the game escalated into a confrontation in the customary post-match handshake. The tension got more heated up when Gautam Gambhir, LSG’s mentor at that time, also intervened. This led to heightened emotions and further disputes among players from both teams.
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Sanjiv Goenka’s insight on the particular spat
In a recent podcast interview on TRS, Goenka addressed the incident candidly. He emphasized that while emotions run high during competitive sports, it is crucial to maintain perspective.
“That situation took place during a game. So I will not comment on whether it was right or wrong. It is easy to be judgmental but it is not for us to judge,” Goenka stated.
Goenka expressed his support for Naveen, reassuring him that he was not alone in facing the fallout from such confrontations. He also shared his thoughts on how he would have approached the situation differently if he were in Naveen’s position.
“If I was in your position, I would have said – You said this to me. Now I will bowl in such a manner that I will take all of your team’s wickets,” the LSG owner added.
Resolution of the heated exchange
Following the altercation, both players faced scrutiny from fans and media alike. Naveen took to social media to share an image of mangoes alongside a visual of Kohli’s dismissal for just one run against Mumbai Indians, which many interpreted as a subtle jab at Kohli
However, time has a way of healing wounds; during the ODI World Cup 2023 match between India and Afghanistan, Kohli and Naveen resolved their differences with an embrace on the field. This moment signified not only personal reconciliation but also underscored the transient nature of rivalries in sports.
Goenka reflected on this resolution positively, stating that both players are fundamentally good individuals who can move past such incidents. He noted that similar situations occur frequently in cricket, citing another instance involving Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head as an example of how competitive spirits can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
“He is a good kid and large-hearted as well. So, he went and made up with Virat. Virat is of course Virat. These situations happen. Such a thing happened between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head. These things happen and as an owner, you just need to quieten them down,” Goenka concluded.
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