Naveen-ul-Haq explains how he and Virat Kohli buried the hatchet at World Cup 2023

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli and Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who found themselves embroiled in an intense on-field altercation during this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), buried the hatchet in a heartwarming moment during their World Cup encounter on Wednesday.

3 things you need to know 

• Kohli and Naveen were involved in a heated exchange during IPL 2023 
• Crowd chanted 'Kohli Kohli' when Naveen was preparing to bowl in World Cup 
• Kohli and Naveen were seen sharing a hug during IND vs AFG clash on October

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The IPL incident had generated significant controversy when Naveen and Kohli clashed verbally and then carried their heated exchange into the customary post-match handshake, requiring intervention from their fellow cricketer KL Rahul and even sparking anger from Lucknow Super Giants' mentor Gautam Gambhir.

"Kohli Kohli" chants fill the stadium

However, during the World Cup match between India and Afghanistan in Delhi, as Naveen prepared to bowl, chants of "Kohli Kohli" filled the stadium. Surprisingly, the two players were observed sharing a lighter moment during India's chase of 273. For Naveen, the issue had never transcended the boundary ropes.

Naveen reflected on the incident in a mixed-zone interaction with Republic Media Network, saying, "Crowd will chant for their home cricketers and that is what they did. It is his (Kohli's) home ground. He is a nice guy, a good player and we shook hands. It (what happened) was always in the ground, it was nothing outside the ground. People make it big. They need that stuff for their followers. He said (today) 'we are done with that and I said yes we are done with that. We shook hands and hugged."

Naveen, who has only played nine ODIs, also revealed his intention to retire from the 50-over format after the World Cup. He cited the lack of balance between bat and ball as a reason more international bowlers might consider leaving ODI cricket. Despite his wish to play more ODI matches, Naveen acknowledged the reality of the situation.

"To be honest more international bowlers will opt out of ODI cricket because there is not much balance between bat and ball. I wish I would have played more ODI cricket but it is what it is," Naveen said.

This unexpected reconciliation between Kohli and Naveen served as a reminder of the sportsmanship and mutual respect that cricket often promotes, transcending any past differences.