Naveen-ul-Haq‘s journey in the ongoing 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League with Lucknow Super Giants came to an end after the side was thrashed by Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator 1 round at the iconic Chepauk Stadium.
Naveen-ul-Haq was involved in a heated spat with Virat Kohli
The 23-year-old Afghan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who made his IPL debut this season after he was bought by the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 50 lakh, became the talk of the season, however, for all the controversial reasons.
While he impressed one and all with his bowling performance in the eight games he played this year, where he picked 13 wickets, however, it was his ‘on-field’ attitude that stole the limelight.
Naveen was involved in an online spat with batting maestro Virat Kohli during the LSG vs RCB match, which took place in Lucknow on May 1st. During the game, Naveen got himself in a heated verbal spat with Kohli, following which he was constantly targeted by fans on the field whenever he stepped in to play.
Following this incident, Naveen has been involved in some controversy or other. From taking shots at Virat Kohli on Instagram to telling the crowds to shut up, Naveen left no stone unturned to provoke the fans with his activities.
As a result, the fans didn’t let allow Naveen to forget Kohli, even in his absence. The chants of ‘Kohli Kohli’ were a common thing whenever and wherever Naveen was on the field. On Wednesday, the fans were at it again as they teased Naveen with the chants.
The fans present at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai chanted Kohli’s name in unison and at the top of their voices when Naveen-ul-Haq was near the boundary line. He received the same reception when he came out to bat.
Naveen reacts to “Kohli Kohli” Chants
Meanwhile, after LSG was knocked out of the IPL, Naveen was asked about the crowd reception and the pacer gave a shocking reaction as he claimed that he enjoys the chants as it gives him the passion to play well. He said:
“I enjoy it. I like everyone on the ground chanting his (Virat Kohli) name or any other player’s name. It gives me the passion to play well for my team,” said Naveen at the post-match presentation.
“Well I don’t concentrate on the outside or the noise from outside or anything else. I just focus on my own cricket and my own process. Crowd chanting or anyone saying something doesn’t affect me. As professional sportsmen, you have to take this in your stride. One does when you don’t good for your team, fans are going to give it to you. And when you do good for your team, the same people are going to chant your name. Basically, this is part and parcel of the game.”
