When Naveen Ul Haq batted for the local team Lucknow Super Giants in their tight chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL, he and Virat Kohli got into a violent argument.
After a heated spat in the IPL earlier this year, Indian superstar Virat Kohli and Afghanistan bowler Naveen Ul Haq let bygones be bygones with a shakehand and a hug during their World Cup encounter in Delhi on Wednesday. During the IPL, Naveen and Kohli had a furious exchange when the former came to bat for the local club Lucknow Super Giants’ tight chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The incident escalated into a major controversy when both cricketers took their argument to the next level at the usual post-match handshake. K L Rahul was forced to intercede, and later on the pitch, LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir was spotted seething.
‘Kohli Kohli’ cheers greeted Naveen as he entered the bowl on Wednesday. A lighter movement was observed by the two players during India’s pursuit of 273. For Naveen, the issue never extended past the perimeter barriers.
“The crowd did exactly that—they chanted for their home cricket team. It is Kohli’s native territory. We shook hands, and he’s a good player and a kind man.
“Whatever occurred was always contained within the earth; it never occurred outside of it. People achieve success. They need that stuff for their followers. He said (today) ‘we are done with that and I said yes we are done with that. We shook hands and hugged,” Naveen told news sources.
After the World Cup, the 24-year-old, who has only played nine ODIs, intends to end his career in the format.
“To be honest, more international bowlers will opt out of ODI cricket because there is not much balance between bat and ball,” Naveen stated when discussing his retirement plans. Although I wish I could have played more ODI cricket, things are as they are.”
