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The highly anticipated clash between India and Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 not only witnessed an exceptional performance by Team India but also an unexpected display of sportsmanship, featuring Indian superstar Virat Kohli and Afghan pace sensation Naveen-ul-Haq.
Both cricketers were involved in an on-field spat during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 but the duo surprised cricket fans when they shared a warm hug during the World Cup match. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who was also part of the spat during the IPL, offered his perspective on the gesture.
End of on-field animosity
Leading up to the IND vs AFG World Cup match, the heated exchange between Kohli and Naveen had become one of the most talked-about aspects of the game. However, the two cricketers chose to bury the hatchet and exhibited camaraderie during India’s innings. Notably, Kohli even called on the crowd at Arun Jaitley Stadium to stop taunting the Afghanistan fast bowler, signaling the end of their on-field rivalry.
Gambhir emphasizes that on-field battles should remain within the boundaries
Gambhir, who was on commentary during the incident, shared his thoughts on the embrace and expressed disapproval for the crowd’s taunts. He emphasized that on-field battles should remain within the boundaries of the game and extended his support to all players, regardless of their nationality or talent.
“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,” Gambhir commented during the match.
The former India opener also had a message for the fans, both in the stadium and on social media, urging them not to troll or ridicule any player. Gambhir acknowledged the passion that drives players when they represent their respective teams and highlighted the significance of Naveen’s journey from Afghanistan to playing in the IPL.
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Indian captain Rohit Sharma shatters several records in the clash against Afghanistan
“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,” the former India opener added.
Rohit Sharma leads India to an emphatic win
Turning the attention back to the game, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 272/8 on the scoreboard after choosing to bat first. Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi was their top-scorer with a resilient 80 off 88 balls.
In response, India successfully chased down the target in 35 overs with eight wickets in hand. Captain Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in the victory, smashing a record-breaking century, scoring 131 runs off just 84 deliveries, which included five sixes and 16 fours. Kohli also contributed an unbeaten 55 runs to the Indian total.
India will next face Pakistan on October 14 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will remain in Delhi as they take on England on October 15.
