‘Ego clash between two greats, but no bad blood’ – LSG official shares detail following Kohli-Gambhir scuffle

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League hasn’t been short on drama but the low-scoring thriller between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore took an ugly turn when Virat Kohli engaged in a war of words with LSG mentor and former Indian cricket Gautam Gambhir after RCB’s 18 run victory in Lucknow. Following the scuffle, the LSG bosses held a meeting with the players and officials at the venue.

The drama kicked off after Virat Kohli exchanged a few words with LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq during their handshake after the conclusion of the game. The Afghan cricketer was visibly infuriated with the RCB batter, needing Glenn Maxwell’s intervention. The duo were also involved in a heated exchange during the 17th over of the chase.

The tension escalated to the next level when Kohli got involved in an altercation with LSG’s mentor Gautam Gambhir with players from both sides trying to calm things between the two volatile personalities. An anonymous LSG official has come forward with the explanation that there was no bad blood between the players, and it just happened in the heat of the moment. He also revealed a meeting was held by the upper hierarchy after the on-field theatrics.

“It was simply an ego clash between the two greats of Indian cricket. There was nothing serious. It was just a heat-of-the-moment thing. It happens in such a high-tension game. There was no bad blood after the presentation. The LSG bosses did hold a meeting of the players and officials at the ground after the match,” said an LSG official preferring anonymity.

Both Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100 per cent of their match fees for their involvement in the fracas, while the Afghan cricketer had to cop a 50 per cent match fee fine. The war of words has continued on social media with both Kohli and Naveen sharing cryptic posts in the aftermath of the event.