IND vs AFG: Virat Kohli shows big heart, ends bitter rift with Naveen-ul-Haq with a hug - WATCH

Indian batsman Virat Kohli demonstrated a generous spirit today by resolving his differences with Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq. This heartwarming incident unfolded during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and Afghanistan at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. While India was at bat, Virat Kohli was observed extending a handshake and sharing a hug with Naveen-ul-Haq, who had approached him, seemingly seeking reconciliation. Earlier in the match, the entire Delhi crowd had erupted in chants of ‘Kohli-Kohli’ to tease Naveen-ul-Haq. Note, Delhi is the home ground of Kohli, who also has a pavilion named after him. 

The Kohli-Naveen fight

In the IPL 2023 clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants, a tense moment unfolded when Kohli engaged in a verbal exchange with Naveen. Kohli's chatter persisted, with non-striker Amit Mishra attempting to mediate unsuccessfully and calm the cricketing icon down. Notably, Naveen refrained from responding to Kohli's taunts during the match. However, once the game concluded, he shook hands with the RCB player in a rather assertive manner. The drama didn't end there, as when LSG captain KL Rahul tried to facilitate reconciliation, Naveen chose to walk away, declining to engage with Kohli.

This match became one of the most heated IPL contests in recent memory. It wasn't limited to the exchange between Naveen and Kohli; the former India captain also engaged in spirited discussions with Kyle Mayers and later had an altercation with LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir.

Virat Kohli makes a spirited gesture towards the crowd for Naveen-ul-Haq

During the game, Kohli was observed making a special request to the Delhi crowd, asking them not to taunt Naveen-ul-Haq, who had been receiving constant teasing from fans due to his previous feud with the Indian cricket superstar. A video capturing this moment has been widely shared on social media. 

This isn't the first time Kohli has shown such sportsmanship; he displayed a similar gesture during the previous ODI World Cup when he encouraged Indian fans in England to refrain from trolling Steve Smith. Smith, at the time, was making a comeback after serving a ban imposed for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa a year prior.