The Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir argument after Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has got everyone talking. Many former cricketers including Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth have urged the two to solve their differences while condemning the ugly spat. Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has come up with a suggestion to end the rivalry as well. Shastri is even ready to act as a mediator between the two.
“I think the penny will drop in a day or two. And they will realise that this could have been handled a lot better. Both play for the same state and they have played enough cricket. Gautam is a double World Cup winner, and Virat is an icon. Both come from Delhi. I think the best thing would be to sit them both down and put an end to it. Once and for all,” Shastri said on Star Sports.
“Whoever does it, the sooner the better, because you don’t want this to spill off. Carrying on, the next time they meet again there are words exchanged and one thing leads to another. The sooner the better. If I have to do it so be it,” he added.
Everything started when LSG's Afghan recruit and Naveen-ul-Haq and Kohli had an argument in the 17th over of the home team's run chase. After shaking hands with Gambhir, Kohli had another heated exchange with Naveen. Then, he was talking to LSG opener Kyle Mayers before Gambhir came and took the Caribbean away. It was followed by a ‘war of words’ between Kohli and Gambhir which was cut-short by players and support staff from both sides.
Following the incident, Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100 per cent of their match fee for breaching Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct. The former teammates admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of IPL code of Conduct. On the other hand, Naveen was fined 50 per cent of his match fee as he admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of IPL code of Conduct.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Afridi picks side in Virat Kohli-Naveen-ul-Haq's recent scuffle, says '..he only reacts when someone bugs him unnecessarily'
Ajinkya Rahane shows quick reflexes to take a stunning low catch at first slip to dismiss Krunal Pandya
