'You won't hear my name': Naveen Ul Haq reveals the details of friendly chat with Virat Kohli

Afghanistan pacer Naveen ul Haq has revealed his on-field conversation with Virat Kohli during the India-Afghanistan league-stage encounter in Delhi for the 2023 World Cup. He remembers how, following their hug in that game, Kohli told him that the host fans in the stadium would not heckle the Afghan with the Indian's name.

3 things you need to know

• Virat Kohli and Naveen Ul Haq had a heated exchange during IPL 2023
• The matter raised many eyebrows and Ul Haq continued to target Kohli on social media
• The two hugged it out during India vs Bangladesh match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 

‘IND holds edge in bowling department against AUS’

Virat Kohli and Naveen Ul Haq bury the hatchet

Kohli, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Naveen of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) got into a furious altercation during the IPL 2023, which went viral on social media. Even before they met in the World Cup, Indian supporters chanted Kohli's name anytime Naveen came to bowl or bat.

When the Indian was batting at the crease during the World Cup match in Delhi, they hugged and smiled. Although the heckling did not end completely, it did lessen for Afghanistan's subsequent matches.

"He said, 'finish it?', I said, 'Yes, let's finish it' so we we laughed about it, we hugged and we moved on. He said, 'Now after this, you won't hear my name' or something he said [and that], 'You'll only get support from the crowd'. I said yeah (smiles)," Naveen asaid in a video shared by LSG.

Also Read | Naveen Ul Haq Does Jasprit Bumrah-Esque Celebration After Dismissing Jos Buttler - Watc

What was the subject of dispute?

According to reports at the time of the IPL incident, Naveen was upset with Kohli's advice to his bowler to hurl some bouncers at a tailender. While Kohli never truly addressed the situation, the Afghan claimed he did not initiate the brawl and blamed Kohli for grasping his hands forcefully during the post-match handshakes.

"I'll stand for my teammate, I'll talk for my teammate. That's why we are a team. Whether that's franchise cricket, or if you are playing for Afghanistan, or just club cricket. Basically, when it's about your country, you've to speak up," he added in the interview.

Afghanistan performed  exceptionally well in tis tournament. They were in contention for a semi-final position until their second-to-last league game, when they defeated England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands.