The final group stage match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw an interesting incident unfold at the Eden Gardens. As the match progressed, the crowd at the stadium began chanting the name of Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, aiming to tease LSG’s overseas fast bowler, Naveen ul Haq.
In a video that has gone viral on social media platforms, Naveen can be seen fielding at the fine-leg boundary, playfully encouraging the crowd to cheer louder for Kohli.
Kohli-Kohli chants at Eden Gardens when Naveen Ul Haq was batting and now even when he is bowling.
Virat Kohli's craze is something else 😂🔥— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) May 20, 2023
Later in the match, after LSG’s Ravi Bishnoi took the catch of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen ul Haq responded by silencing the Kolkata crowd. This incident adds another chapter to the ongoing banter between Naveen and Kohli, which started during their previous group stage encounter in Lucknow. During that match, an unpleasant exchange took place between the two players, with many Kohli fans claiming that the Afghan pacer initiated the confrontation with the Indian batsman. In response, Naveen took a sly dig at Kohli by posting a cryptic story on his Instagram account.
Bishnoi is like, "Bhai ye toh Gambhir ki bhi crowd hai. Wo iss baar nahi ayega". pic.twitter.com/La71NQpqoz
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 20, 2023
The ‘Kohli Kohli’ chants at the Eden Gardens showcased the passionate and lively atmosphere often witnessed in IPL matches. The fans’ playful banter with Naveen ul Haq reflects the competitive spirit and camaraderie between supporters and players. While such interactions are part of the game, it is important to maintain sportsmanship and respect for all players involved.
As the IPL continues to entertain cricket fans worldwide, incidents like these add an extra layer of excitement and engagement. The interactions between players and the crowd contribute to the overall entertainment value of the tournament. While rivalries and banter between players are natural in any sport, it is crucial to uphold the spirit of the game and foster a positive atmosphere.
