Virat Kohli was the main attraction during the Lucknow SuperGiants vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2023 match on May 1, but not for his batting prowess or outstanding fielding performance, but for his aggressive celebrations, sledging, and heated arguments with LSG players Naveen-ul-Haq, Amit Mishra, and their mentor Gautam Gambhir. This is not to say that Kohli was at fault, but he was certainly a key player. Since that ugly fracas at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, much has been written, spoken, and reported, but new details and developments continue to emerge.
It has now been revealed that nearly five days after Kohli’s on-field brawl with Naveen-ul-Haq and Gambhir, the former RCB captain wrote to a few BCCI officials to explain the situation. According to a Dainik Jagran report, Kohli also expressed his displeasure to BCCI officials for being docked the full match fee. Kohli reportedly stated that he said nothing to Naveen-ul-Haq or Gambhir during the match that would result in such a punishment from the BCCI.
Both Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100% of their respective match fees for their heated altercation, which the match referees and on-field umpires deemed a Level 2 offence and a violation of the IPL Code of Conduct’s Article 2.21, which deals with “all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute.”
Kohli, on the other hand, does not believe his actions merited such a large fine, which could amount to around 1.25 crore for him. He will not pay the fine, however, because the RCB does not deduct match fees from their players’ salaries for on-field infractions.
Kohli was hostile in his treatment of Naveen-ul-Haq and Kyle Mayers, according to players and officials who witnessed the verbal altercations. Amit Mishra, who was batting with Naveen near the end of LSG’s chase, complained to the umpires about Kohli’s behaviour as well.
According to the report, RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj’s bouncers and throws at Naveen-ul-Haq irritated the Afghanistan pacer. In his message to BCCI officials, Kohli stated that he did not direct Siraj to hit Naveen but rather to bowl bouncers.
The fans did not appreciate how Naveen-ul-Haq aggressively ignored Kohli’s handshake and nearly shoved him away after the game. After the game, Kohli reportedly complained about Naveen’s aggressive behaviour.
The LSG and Afghanistan pacer was fined 50% of his match fees.
Kohli’s altercation with Gambhir began as a result of the former’s brief interaction with Mayers. The LSG opener reportedly confronted Kohli about “abusing” him and sending him off. Mayers, according to Kohli, was “staring” at him. Gambhir stepped in and took Mayers away at this point.
Gambhir and Kohli parted ways, but the RCB legend exclaimed, “Bloody f***… “I’d like to send him off.” He was probably still talking about Mayers. But Gambhir was not pleased. He spun around and charged at Kohli.
Then, in a relatively calm tone, Kohli told Gambhir that whatever he said or did was not for the LSG mentor and that he should “stay away” from the situation. Gambhir then responded that his players are like “his family” and that he will not tolerate it if someone “abuses” them.
Before things got out of hand, the LSG players separated Gambhir and Kohli.
Following that incident, LSG played one match against CSK, which was rained out, while RCB will face Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
