At a recent social event, Virat Kohli discussed reconciling with Naveen-ul-Haq and Gautam Gambhir, ending their feud from last year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli, Naveen, and Gambhir were involved in a heated argument after the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) match in IPL 2023.

Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq shared a moment during India’s ODI World Cup match against Afghanistan last year, embracing on the field and setting aside their differences. Recently, during the ongoing IPL 2024, Kohli and Gambhir also hugged during the drinks break of the RCB vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) match.

https://x.com/rcbtweets/status/1773731582991319060?s=46

Making a sarcastic remark directed at fans, Kohli expressed that his actions have ‘let down’ people, emphasizing that they are adults and not children.

“Log bohot disappointed hog aye hain mere behavior se. Naveen ke saath maine jhappi daal li, us din Gauti bhai ne aake mereko jhappi daal di. Matlab, tumhara masala khatam ho gaya to boohoo kar rahe ho. Abey bache thodi na hain yaar,” Kohli conveyed to host Gaurav Kapoor.

(There’s a lot of disappointment with my actions. I embraced Naveen, and recently Gauti bhai hugged me. Now that there’s nothing sensational, they’ve resorted to complaining. We’re not children!)

https://x.com/imtanujsingh/status/1778331727683047924?s=46

What caused the conflict between Kohli, Naveen, and Gambhir?

During the LSG vs RCB match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, the hosts struggled to chase down RCB’s low target of 130 runs. Kohli and Naveen became embroiled in a dispute while the latter was batting in the second innings.

It was reported that Kohli’s suggestion to his teammates to bowl bouncers to the LSG tail-enders didn’t sit well with Naveen at one point in the game. Both cricketers stood their ground, escalating the situation further.

The pair engaged in a fierce altercation, refusing to back down, intensifying the situation with their actions. Eventually, Bangalore secured an 18-run victory.

When players from both teams shook hands, Kohli and Naveen engaged in another argument, prompting the then LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir to intervene.

Gambhir and Kohli engaged in a verbal dispute, which was diffused by LSG skipper KL Rahul stepping in. The situation escalated significantly, resulting in all three being fined heavily for violating the IPL’s code of conduct.

Although the feud became one of the most discussed controversies in the tournament’s history, the three players resolved it shortly thereafter.

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The post [WATCH] “Masala Khatam Ho Gaya To Boohoo Kar Rahe Ho” – Virat Kohli After Settlement With Naveen-ul-Haq And Gautam Gambhir appeared first on Cricfit.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Lucknow Super Giants in match number 15 of IPL 2024 to be played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on 2^nd April.

RCB is coming off with a loss against KKR and would be looking to come back with a win against Lucknow Super Giants. They need to play as a unit with Kohli contributing at the top.

On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants registered their first victory of IPL 2024 with an impressive win over Punjab Kings. Mayank Yadav was impressive with 3 for 27 changing the momentum in favor of LSG.

Here we look at the 3 player battles between RCB and LSG in match number 15 of IPL 2024.

1. Mohammed Siraj vs Quinton de Kock

Mohammed Siraj had a disappointing outing for RCB in the previous match against KKR. He went for runs in the first six overs putting the hosts under immense pressure. On the other hand, de Kock returned to form with a well-made 54 and helped LSG lay a strong foundation for a decent total.

South African wicketkeeper de Kock has played for the RCB franchise and is known for the conditions. Siraj needs to pick early wickets with new ball and put LSG batters under pressure, especially de Kock.

Siraj would be eager to do the damage early and allow RCB to put enough pressure on LSG batters.

2. Virat Kohli vs Naveen UL Haq

Virat Kohli has been in sensational form for RCB. He showed his intent right from the word go putting pressure on KKR bowlers. His innings of 83 not out helped RCB post 182 for 6.

Kohli will be eager to continue his superb form with another brilliant knock which would help RCB register wins. On the other hand, Naveen UL Haq came as an impact player giving away 43 runs in his 4 overs.

Both Kohli and Naveen UL Haq fought last year. Naveen UL Haq has all the trickery to dismiss Kohli. This battle would decide the fate of the match.

3. Glenn Maxwell vs Ravi Bishnoi

Glenn Maxwell failed to contribute his chances into a big score against KKR. On the other hand, Bishnoi gave away 25 runs in his 3 overs and bowled with great lines and lengths in middle overs not allowing PBKS openers to score runs easily.

Glenn Maxwell showed intent against Bishnoi last year and played with an attacking approach. It will be an interesting battle between these two players in the middle overs which would decide the fortune of the game.

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The on-field altercation between Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq, with the involvement of Gautam Gambhir, became a focal point of discussion during the IPL 2023 season. This incident unfolded during a match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Initially sparked by a disagreement between Kohli and Naveen, the situation escalated rapidly when LSG mentor Gambhir stepped in to support the Afghan bowler, leading to a confrontation between the former Indian teammates.

Naveen said: “We went to play our away match in Bengaluru. That’s where it all started. We won that game – it was very close – so one of our players [Avesh Khan] threw the helmet in excitement after scoring the winning runs. Virat Kohli probably didn’t like it. Next, their team came to Lucknow. I think I went out to bat at No. 9 or 10 and we had pretty much lost the game by then.”

“So, I didn’t expect that I would be sledged. But when it happened, like I said, when someone starts, I can’t hold back. After the game, things continued during the handshake too. The sledging came from two guys – Kohli and Mohammed Siraj.”

Following the incident, all three players involved have offered their perspectives. Recently, Naveen provided insights into the contentious altercation. Notably, both Kohli and Gambhir have a history of tense encounters in previous IPL seasons, notably in 2013 when Kohli clashed with Gambhir, then captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Naveen said: “Gautam Gambhir got carried away [with the shush gesture] because in the previous game, when we needed 1 off 1, one of their bowlers wanted to run the non-striker out while running in to bowl. It was the last wicket. It got heated because the bowler missed taking the bails off.”

“Spirit-wise it wasn’t looking good because it had proven to be such a good game by then. It would have been a shame had it ended in a run out. Because of that, he wanted to silence the crowd. He is a passionate guy, and so is Virat.”

However, despite these past conflicts, during the ODI World Cup in October, Kohli and Naveen publicly reconciled, symbolized by a heartfelt embrace. This sequence of events underscores the intensity and drama that can unfold in professional cricket, where emotions often run high but can also lead to moments of reconciliation and mutual respect.

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Afghanistan’s fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has received approval from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to participate in the current SA20 2024, the second edition of South Africa’s T20 league. Initially, the ACB had imposed a two-year ban on Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman from participating in T20 leagues due to a contractual dispute.

As per a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has eased sanctions, issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Naveen for SA20. Additionally, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have also been granted NOCs for the upcoming ILT20.

Naveen will play for Durban’s Super Giants in SA20. He has arrived in South Africa and will be ready for the team’s next match against Pretoria Capitals on January 18. The seamer recently participated in Afghanistan’s T20I series against India, where he secured one wicket in two games with an economy rate of 11.69.

India achieved an impressive 3-0 victory over Afghanistan, with the visitors putting up a strong fight in the third T20I in Bengaluru on Wednesday (January 17). Despite a closely contested battle that concluded with a double Super Over finish, Afghanistan lost the dead rubber. Notably, Naveen was not included in the playing XI for this match.

Naveen-ul-Haq took the place of Richard Gleeson in the squad of Durban’s Super Giants for SA20 2024

Naveen-ul-Haq stepped in for English pacer Richard Gleeson in Durban’s Super Giants squad for the rest of the season. The team has also enlisted Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Stoinis will take the place of West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran, who played in the team’s initial three games of the season. Pooran will now leave to participate in ILT20, representing MI Emirates.

The team from Durban has had an impressive performance in the SA20. With three consecutive wins in their initial matches, they currently hold the second position in the points table.

Their upcoming match is against Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, January 18.

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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) reversed its initial decision to withhold No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from three national players – Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq – following a “thorough investigation.”

The trio can now participate in global franchise leagues and receive central contracts under the condition of prioritizing ACB’s and Afghanistan’s interests. The ACB has confirmed the players’ complete dedication to the national team and issued a “final warning” along with a “specified salary deduction” for all three.

“Upon the players’ unconditional approach to the ACB and expressing a strong desire to represent the country again, the ACB initiated a comprehensive investigation. After evaluating the players’ initial stance in light of recent developments and acknowledging the importance of their presence in the national team, the assigned committee communicated its final recommendations to the board,” a statement read.

On December 25, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revealed that three players wanted to end their central contracts. To prioritize national interests, the board decided not to give them No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for two years, crucial for playing in franchise competitions and also decided against renewing their central contracts.

The recent update doesn’t assure them of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for upcoming leagues like the IPL. The ACB mentioned that it will contemplate issuing NOCs and renewing central contracts only after assessing the players’ “discipline” and prioritizing its own interests.

“The ACB and its rules are more important than any of us”- Afghanistan board chairman

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf stated that the choice to adjust the penalties was influenced by their significance to the national team. He emphasized that future instances of similar “inconveniences” to the board would be dealt with in a more “rigorous” manner.

“The players have undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success and have represented the nation to the best of their values. We hope that they avoid making similar inconveniences in the future as we expect them to represent the country in the best of manners,” he said.

“The ACB and the rules are above all of us and it’s important to adhere to the regulations because there are no exceptions for anyone in this regard. However, such cases of a similar nature would be dealt with more strictly as we prioritize the prestige of the Afghanistan Cricket and the organization” he added.

Mujeeb was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 auction, and Farooqi and Naveen were retained by the SunRisers Hyderabad and the Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.

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Afghanistan named 19-member squad for the 3-match T20I series against India to be played from 11^th January. Rashid Khan has been included in the squad despite being injured but is unlikely to feature in any of the matches.

Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed as the captain for the T20I series. They have a strong batting unit comprising Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Akhil, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbdain Naib.

Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Gulbdain Naib, and Omarzai have been named as the all-rounders for the series. The pace bowling options include Fazallahq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen UL Haq, and Gulbdain Naib.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be a part of the squad after being removed from the BBL 13. Rashid Khan has been included in the squad despite being injured. It promises to be an exciting series as it will be an ideal preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Ibrahim Zadran led a 2-1 series victory over the United Arab Emirates played in Sharjah.

ACB Chairman Mr. Mirwais Ashraf: “We are delighted to be embarking on our maiden tour to India for a three-match series. India is the top-ranked side in the world, and it’s very pleasing to witness AfghanAtalan competing in a three-match T20I against them. We believe that AfghanAtalan is no longer underdogs & has excelled well in the recent past, and we look forward to a highly competitive series against India.”

The first T20I match will be played on 11^th January at Mohali, the 2^nd match to be played at Holkar Stadium, Indore on 14^th January, and the final T20I match will take place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on 17^th January.

Afghanistan Squad:

Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Akhil, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharfuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazallahq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen UL Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmed, Gulbdain Naib, Rashid Khan.

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Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has received a 20-month ban from the International League T20 (ILT20) for violating his contract. He played for the Sharjah Warriors during the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2023.

Having taken 11 wickets in nine matches with an average of 24.36, Naveen-ul-Haq was extended a retention offer by the Sharjah Warriors for the second season. However, the player declined to sign the retention notice, leading the Sharjah Warriors to seek resolution through the ILT20.

The competition authorities attempted to find a resolution by appointing an independent third-party mediator and initiating a mediation process between the player and the franchise, but unfortunately, it did not yield the desired outcome.

In the end, the three-member disciplinary committee of ILT20, consisting of ILT20 CEO David White, head of security and anti-corruption Col. Azam, and Emirates Cricket Board member Zayed Abbas, individually heard both parties.

After evaluating the evidence and statements from the player and the franchise, they decided to impose a 20-month ban on Naveen-ul-Haq.

“We do not take pride in making this announcement but all parties are expected to comply with their contractual commitments and recognize that non-compliance can cause damage to the other party.”

”Unfortunately, Naveen-ul-Haq failed to honour his contractual obligations with the Sharjah Warriors, and as such the league had no option but to impose this 20-month ban on him.” ILT20 CEO David White said in a press release.

“The disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner and both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions,” he further stated.

Naveen-ul-Haq’s ban will extend until August 2025, resulting in his absence from the upcoming two seasons of ILT20. The second season is set to occur in the January-February 2024 window in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Naveen-ul-Haq announced his retirement from ODI cricket in recent times

The Afghan pacer, Naveen-ul-Haq, recently retired from One Day International (ODI) cricket, with the 2023 ODI World Cup being his last appearance in the format.

The ILT20 ban imposed on him does not impact his involvement in other international leagues, such as England’s Vitality Blast, Lanka Premier League, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he has previously played.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recently retained Naveen-ul-Haq for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, as announced before the mini-auction. His next anticipated appearance is in Afghanistan’s tour of India in January 2024, featuring three T20Is.

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Amid the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, the clash between India and Australia in the summit showdown on November 19 has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts. Among the focal points of this tournament was the anticipated face-off between Virat Kohli and Afghanistan’s pacer, Naveen-ul-Haq.

The backdrop for this encounter was set during the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023 when Kohli and Naveen found themselves embroiled in a heated feud. As the World Cup approached, fans eagerly awaited the on-field confrontation between these two cricketing titans. However, in a surprising turn of events, Kohli and Naveen decided to bury the hatchet, opting for a reconciliation that unfolded in a friendly chat and a heartfelt embrace.

Naveen-ul-Haq disclosed the details of this encounter, shedding light on the conversation that transpired between him and Kohli during the India versus Afghanistan match. “We received overwhelming support in every game except the one against India. Despite that, we felt a sense of home-like warmth. Kohli approached me, suggesting, ‘Let’s put an end to this.’ I readily agreed, and in that moment, we shared laughter, embraced each other, and moved forward,” Naveen revealed in an interview with Lucknow Super Giants.

Watch The Video Here:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lucknow Super Giants (@lucknowsupergiants)

What unfolded during this exchange went beyond mere pleasantries. Kohli, in a gesture symbolizing the burying of the hatchet, conveyed to Naveen that his name would fade into the background. Instead, the resounding echoes would be those of the crowd’s unwavering support. This unexpected camaraderie between Kohli and Naveen not only surprised fans but also showcased the sportsmanship and mutual respect that transcends on-field rivalries.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the culmination of the ODI World Cup, the story of Kohli and Naveen serves as a poignant reminder that even fierce competitors can find common ground, fostering an environment of camaraderie and goodwill in the spirit of the game.

The forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Players’ Auction, set to occur in Dubai on December 19, has spurred action from all ten franchises. The forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Players’ Auction, set to occur in Dubai on December 19, has spurred action from all ten franchises. The forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Players’ Auction, set to occur in Dubai on December 19, has spurred action from all ten franchises.

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The incident occurred during the 13th match of the World Cup, where Afghanistan faced England. The intense altercation between Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and Afghan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq during the 16th IPL season had a significant impact on the cricket world.

Naveen, who faced substantial criticism for his conduct towards Kohli, brought heightened anticipation as Afghanistan joined the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Fans eagerly awaited the showdown between Kohli and Naveen.

However, it appeared that both players resolved their differences as they were spotted sharing a friendly hug during the India vs. Afghanistan match in the major tournament. With the matter seemingly resolved, it’s evident that the Indian fans have wholeheartedly embraced Naveen-ul-Haq.

Clearly, during the Afghanistan vs. England match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the 13th game of the 2023 ODI World Cup on Sunday, October 15, the spectators at the stadium were heard loudly chanting Naveen-ul-Haq’s name.

In a viral video, the fast bowler can be observed smiling and graciously acknowledging the chants, which was a heartwarming gesture.

https://twitter.com/deepak_chahar95/status/1713849652142068088?s=20

Virat Kohli is a gentleman both on and off the cricket field- Naveen-ul-Haq

Naveen ul Haq said Virat Kohli is a “nice guy” after they seemed to end their rivalry, which began during this year’s IPL, by hugging during the India-Afghanistan match in the 2023 World Cup. However, they appeared to have resolved their differences as Naveen approached Kohli during the game. They shook hands and shared a hug, and Kohli even signalled to the crowd not to jeer at Naveen.

This is similar to what Kohli did in the 2019 World Cup when he told the crowd to cheer for Steve Smith instead of jeering at him because of his involvement in a ball-tampering incident. For this act, Kohli received the ICC Spirit of the Year Award.

Naveen commended Kohli for a comparable action on Wednesday, expressing his thoughts to reporters after the match, “He [Kohli] is a nice guy, he’s a good player. We just shook hands and just dusted (sic) whatever was done in the IPL. It was always on the ground, nothing outside. People make it big, the media – they want this stuff for their followers.”

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Cricket has over the years witnessed its fair share of intense rivalries and heated confrontations on the field. Intense contests often lead to exchanges on the field. However, they often end with players reconciling with each other, echoing sportsmanship. A similar incident took place recently between Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq.

Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq had an on-field altercation during the Indian Premier League 2023 season match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Lucknow Super Giants. The pacer was very vocal about the incident, lashing out at Kohli, through his quirky Instagram posts. The fans expected another intense contest between the two players during the recent India vs Afghanistan, ICC ODI World Cup 2023 game. However, the duo was seen sharing a laugh on the field. Kohli also asked the Delhi crowd to not mock the Afghanistan pacer.

In this article, we take a look at three such instances when cricketers fought on the field, but also reconciled later:

Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth

The Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth spat is often referred to as the “Slapgate” incident. It took place after the 2008 Indian Premier League season match between the Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab. Harbhajan Singh allegedly slapped Sreesanth on being instigated by the latter. While the slap wasn’t recorded on camera, visuals of Sreesanth crying went viral.

However, the duo moved on from the incident and has played together for India in several matches. They were also part of the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian team. Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh have apologized publicly after the incident and expressed regret. Recently, they featured together in a TV advertisement for Zomato.

Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja

Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja are great friends and share the best of bonds on and off the field. They have played together for many years for the Team India and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. However, in 2012 the duo was involved in an on-field spat. It took place during the India and West Indies match in the tri-nation tournament.

Virat Kohli was leading the Indian team as MS Dhoni was out due to a hamstring injury. During the match, Suresh Raina dropped a catch off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. This did not go down well with the all-rounder, who exchanged a few heated words with Suresh Raina. Later during the drinks break, Suresh Raina was seen putting an arm over to pacify his teammate.

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith were involved in a heated argument during the 2014 India tour of Australia. The Indian batter was leading the team, as MS Dhoni was not available. The incident took place when Steve Smith was facing Rohit Sharma in the match. Rohit appealed for an LBW dismissal. However, it was turned down by the umpire. Rohit’s appeal did not go down well with Steve Smith, who expressed his displeasure. Virat Kohli stepped in and argued with Smith, asking him to “stay in [his] limits.”

Since then, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith have had some on-field arguments including the DRS incident in 2017. Smith was adjudged plumb LBW off Umesh Yadav’s bowling during the Bengaluru test. The Aussie batter gestured at the dressing room to ask if he could take a review. Virat Kohli and the other Indian cricketers were livid with Smith’s gesture. Kohli also lashed out at it during the press conference later. However, over the years, the duo has always maintained that they share a great admiration for each other.

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Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir called upon fans to refrain from trolling and ridiculing cricketers, both in the field and on social media, especially as Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq resolved their differences with a warm exchange.

In the 2023 ODI World Cup’s ninth match, India faced Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, October 11. The anticipation for the game was heightened due to the Kohli-Naveen clash, following an unpleasant exchange during the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier in the year.

Yet, both players exhibited exceptional maturity by choosing to reconcile during Wednesday’s match. As India pursued their target, they shared a cordial handshake and even exchanged encouraging pats on each other’s backs.

Gambhir, who was previously embroiled in the IPL dispute, was providing commentary when Kohli and Naveen reconciled. Offering his perspective, he stated:

“You fight on the field, not off the field. Every player has the right to fight for his team, fight for respect, and fight to win.”

”It doesn’t matter which country you belong to or how good of a player you are. The good thing was when we saw Virat Kohli and Naveen Ul Haq in between the overs, we can see that the fight has ended.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyQ1J76vBgL/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

In a strong message directed at fans, the ex-cricketer further stated:

“I would also want to tell the crowd and fans that any player in the ground or on social media, shouldn’t be trolled or made fun of. You are passionate when you represent your team. It was a huge thing for Naveen to play in IPL for the first time coming from Afghanistan.”

Kohli’s unbeaten 55 from 56 deliveries helped India successfully pursue a target of 273 in just 35 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory. This triumph marked India’s second consecutive win in the World Cup.

“He said we are done with that, and I said yes” – Naveen thoughts on interaction with Kohli

In a post-match interview following the India-Afghanistan game, fast bowler Naveen discussed his conversation with Kohli and the contentious incident that occurred during IPL 2023. He expressed that external individuals had magnified the situation:

“He [Kohli] is a nice guy, a good player, and we shook hands. It’s always in the ground; it was nothing outside the ground. People make it big. They need that stuff for their followers. He said we are done with that, and I said yes, we are done with it. We shook hands and hugged.”

Although Kohli delivered a noteworthy performance, Rohit Sharma earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding 131 off 84 balls against Afghanistan.

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During the India vs Afghanistan cricket match, Indian batsmen displayed an impressive dominance over Afghanistan’s bowling attack. Amid this intense battle, cricket enthusiasts were treated to a heartwarming moment when Indian superstar Virat Kohli shared a warm embrace with Afghanistan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq.

What added intrigue to this heartening scene was the backstory: just a few months earlier, Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq had engaged in a heated verbal altercation during an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter.

The video capturing this reconciliation between the two players quickly went viral on the internet, with users applauding the display of sportsmanship by both Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq. Cricket fans had been eagerly awaiting how this rivalry would unfold during India vs Afghanistan match, but the genuine warmth with which both players greeted each other touched the hearts of many.

Watch the Video Here:

Virat Kohli Naveen Ul Haq.
This is why cricket is more than a game !!#INDvAFGhttps://t.co/OYukwP1Ynw

— Shivam (@shivVK07) October 11, 2023

Adding to the intrigue was the presence of former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir in the commentary box during the match. It was during the aforementioned spat between Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq that Gautam Gambhir had a heated exchange with Virat Kohli, coming to the defence of Naveen-ul-Haq.

Social media was abuzz with happiness as fans appreciated the maturity of both players for moving past their differences and not letting their rivalry affect the outcome of the crucial ICC World Cup 2023 match. Some cricket enthusiasts noted that players like Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq exemplify how cricket transcends being just a game.

In terms of the match itself, Team India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, delivered a splendid performance, scoring 131 runs and leading India to a resounding victory against Afghanistan with 8 wickets to spare and 90 balls left. India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, contributed with 55 runs and the finishing touches to secure the win. This triumph held great significance for India, as they were gearing up for the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash scheduled for Saturday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan provided a strong foundation for India’s chase, forging a partnership of 156 runs. Ishan Kishan narrowly missed his half-century before being dismissed, but Virat Kohli stepped in to ensure that India’s mission was successfully accomplished. In a noteworthy feat, Rohit Sharma’s century against Afghanistan marked him as the player with the most centuries in the ICC World Cup, adding a memorable milestone to India’s emphatic victory.

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Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi downplayed the much-hyped on-field spat between Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq ahead of their second ICC ODI World Cup 2023 match. They are all set to take on India on Wednesday, October 11 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi in Match 9 of the tournament.

Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq were involved in a verbal spat during the Indian Premier League earlier this year. Since then, the Afghanistan pacer has been very vocal about the incident. The fans are awaiting an upcoming contest between the duo. However, Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed that India is their home, and they get a lot of love from the fans in the country. Speaking at the press conference, he said,

“See, as you mentioned before also, like India is our home, it was our home, we played here and the people of India give a lot of love to Afghanistan people. And what happened on the ground, that aggression comes to every player, it’s not about India and Afghanistan. So, it can come to everyone. So, this happened and still like if you see a lot of our players, we have idols from Indian teams like Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.”

Our team is far better at playing spin bowling: Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi further spoke about the struggles of their batters against spinners in their recent World Cup match against Bangladesh. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan took three wickets each in the match. Shahidi expressed that they are better at playing spin bowling as they face quality spinners in the nets. Speaking at the press conference, Hashmatullah Shahidi said,

“Like, if you see Rashid, Nabi, Noor and Mujeeb, we play them every day. So, I think our team is far better at playing spin bowling. So that game you know we struggled but you can’t say that you are not good enough in one game. That game is gone now and we know we can play spinners better and we will try to come back in the next game in every department.”

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In the third match of the ICC Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan faced Bangladesh at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on October 7. Bangladesh secured a six-wicket victory over Hashmatullah Shahidi’s team.

During the match, fans in Dharamsala were chanting ‘Kohli, Kohli’ in front of Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, referencing an on-field spat between Virat Kohli and the Afghan cricketer.

You can watch the video here:

Chants of Kohli Kohli in front of Naveen Ul Haq#SAvsSL #SLvSA #WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/WEoJSb7X1A

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 7, 2023

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in their World Cup match

During India’s practice session before their 2023 Cricket World Cup opener against Australia, Virat Kohli’s funny running style in the nets amused the fans. While wearing his cricket pads, Kohli comically ran in the nets, evoking memories of his amusing running style from a previous Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match against Bangladesh, where he played the role of the ‘water boy.’

The recent tussle between Naveen-Ul-Haq and Virat Kohli garnered significant attention on social media, becoming a popular and widely discussed topic since the previous IPL season. Naveen-Ul-Haq is aiming to deliver his top performance and support Afghanistan during their World Cup campaign, as this edition marks some of his final appearances in ODI cricket.

The pacer has announced his retirement from this format to extend his career in T20 cricket, where he has been involved with various franchises worldwide. Afghanistan is facing Bangladesh, and the batting side has struggled, setting a modest target of 156 runs.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh appears to be comfortably progressing toward victory, having scored 104 runs with only two wickets lost in 24 overs. With quality batsmen like Shakib-Al-Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim yet to come, the team is in a strong position to secure their first win in the World Cup.

Afghanistan aims to better their performance from the last World Cup, where they failed to secure a single victory. Led by skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, along with key players like Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi, and others, the team is determined to enhance their World Cup campaign.

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The Afghanistan cricket team is gearing up for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, which begins on October 5 in Ahmedabad, India. They kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on Saturday, October 7 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharmshala.

Afghanistan team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, has a formidable spin bowling attack, and a decent batting unit. However, they will be greatly challenged in the upcoming World Championship. In this article, we analyse the Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Afghanistan’s squad.

SWOT Analysis of Afghanistan squad

Strength:

Afghanistan’s spin bowling arsenal has been their key weapon. The presence of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb ur Rahman makes it a deadly bowling attack, especially in Indian conditions that offer assistance to spinners. Mujeeb and Rashid are third and fourth-ranked bowlers respectively in ODI cricket at the moment.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has picked 93 wickets in 66 ODI matches at an average of 25.86, including three four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan has played 94 ODIs, picking up 172 wickets at an average of 19.53, with four five-wicket hauls. He is Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker in ODI matches. Mohammad Nabi is second on the list with 154 wickets.

Weaknesses: 

Afghanistan’s batting attack will be tested at the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup against high-quality teams. They have a decent unit, but it hasn’t been consistent. They need to ensure that they don’t falter under pressure in crunch situations. The likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran have to take responsibility at the top of the order. Despite two centuries, Gurbaz hasn’t been consistent this year. He averages 34.18 in eleven matches, scoring 376 runs.

Opportunities: 

Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in the ODI series earlier this year. They have the potential to cause upsets in the 2023 ODI World Cup, given their great spin bowling attack. It will be an opportunity for Afghanistan to punch above its weight and once again showcase that they are one of the rising powers in world cricket.

Threats: 

Afghanistan has to deal with the pressure of performing at the big stage. They have often crumbled in pressure situations, and have to keep their nerves under control this time. Their recent performance in the Asia Cup and the ODI series against Pakistan has been disappointing. They have to move on from the previous losses and make a fresh start.

Squads:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen ul Haq

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