Former India skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday played an unbeaten knock of 55 as he scored the winning run for India against Afghanistan in a World Cup tie. However, the highlight of the match was Kohli hugging Afghanistan’s Naveen ul Haq, indicating that he had forgiven the player, who had left no stone unturned to mock him during this year’s IPL competition.
Kohli, who was playing at his home ground in Delhi, had to face Haq when the latter came to bowl. Fans were eagerly waiting for this moment anticipating more bitter rivalry. However, the former India skipper stunned everyone by hugging the Afghan player and sharing a smile with him. It was a clear sign that Kohli had forgiven the Afghan player, who plays for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
This prompted netizens to take to social media to express their opinions. Soon the focus shifted to former India skipper Gautam Gambhir, who is also associated with Lucknow Super Giants. Gambhir had to face public criticism for allegedly encouraging a fight between Haq and Kohli in this year’s IPL competition.
Here’s how netizens reacted;
Glad that Naveen ul Haq and Virat Kohli are now friends. Wonder what Gautam Gambhir would be thinking right now! 😁 #INDvAFG eed pic.twitter.com/7I9KRmzCrA
— Rifat Jawaid (@RifatJawaid) October 11, 2023
Naveen bowling, Kohli batting and Gambhir commentating in front of Gautam Gambhir stand and Virat Kohli pavilion pic.twitter.com/wMqYVVQ92K
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) October 11, 2023
Batting : Virat Kohli
Bowling : Naveen ul Haq
commentator : Gautam Gambhirfans to Star Sports.#INDvsAFG pic.twitter.com/tFz1tZhZlR
— Jai Upadhyay (@jay_upadhyay14) October 11, 2023
Kohli – Naveen with “Gambhir” commentary pic.twitter.com/u8af72XnJs
— ਅੰਕਿਤ🏏∆ (@CaughtAtGully) October 11, 2023
gambhir appreciating kohli: pic.twitter.com/L2CbA1W4N3
— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) October 11, 2023
Gambhir watching Naveen Ul Haq and Virat Kohli’s bromance: #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/z7BrHGne4F
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) October 11, 2023
After seeing both Virat Kohli and Naveen Ul Haq together,
– Gautam Gambhir#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/E7qVPziwdy
— Priyanshu (@PriyanshuVK18K) October 11, 2023
Kohli showed big heart but why is Gambhir so hell bent on justifying what #NaveenUlHaq did in IPL ?
Why does he hate Kohli so much? pic.twitter.com/9s14O6Jwtt
— Rahul Tahiliani (@Rahultahiliani9) October 11, 2023
Ironically, Gambhir was commentating when Kohli and Haq were seen hugging each other. He took a swipe at his critics for trolling the Afghan player after the infamous IPL fight.