The Indian Premier League’s 43rd game of the 2023 season was a thrilling match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, it was the heated altercation between Virat Kohli, Bangalore’s ace batter, and several Lucknow players, including mentor Gautam Gambhir, that has been making headlines. Kohli reportedly wrote to several officials at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to explain the situation.
Kohli expressed disappointment with the fine that the BCCI imposed on him, stating that he did not do anything to Naveen-ul-Haq or Gautam Gambhir to deserve such a penalty. The altercation between Gambhir and Kohli was classified as a level 2 offence, and both were fined 100% of their match fees from the game. According to reports, Kohli’s aggression towards Amit Mishra, Kyle Mayers, and Naveen-ul-Haq sparked the altercation.
Kohli said
Kohli reportedly clarified that he instructed Bangalore pacer Mohammed Siraj to bowl bouncers to Naveen but did not tell him to hit the Afghanistan pacer. Naveen was fined 50% of his match fees for his behaviour towards Kohli. The reports also suggest that Mayers confronted Kohli after the game for abusing him, and Gambhir intervened, which led to an argument between the two.
LSG captain KL Rahul tried to calm the situation with Kohli on the sidelines and asked Naveen-ul-Haq to resolve the issue with the Indian skipper. However, Naveen refused to do so. The incident has been the subject of much discussion, with many questioning the conduct of the players involved and the efficacy of the IPL Code of Conduct. Nonetheless, the incident is a stark reminder of the intense competitiveness and passion that characterises the IPL, which continues to be a source of excitement and entertainment for cricket fans worldwide.
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