IPL: Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, Naveen-ul-Haq penalised for ugly spat post LSG-RCB match

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) acted swiftly to fine cricket greats Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Lucknow Super Giants player Naveen-ul-Haq for displaying an ugly verbal fight on the cricket ground post a match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday.

While Kohli and Gambhir have been fined 100 percent of their match fee for Level 2 offence, Naveen has been fined 50 percent of the fee for Level 1 offence.

What happened in Lucknow?

When Lucknow were chasing the target set by Bangalore, Kohli was seen extremely animated and in one instance, he even gestured to the crowd with a "shut up" sign.

During the two teams' last encounter in IPL 2023, LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir made a similar gesture to the crowd in Bangalore.

Though it was not confirmed whether Kohli's gesture was a reply to Gambhir, the temperament of the match was soaring with every Lucknow wicket falling.

Kohli was even caught in a verbal spat with Lucknow player Naveen-ul-Haq in the course of the game. Senior player Amit Mishra, who plays for Lucknow, tried to control the situation.

After Bangalore sealed an 18-run win, things seemed normal as both Kohli and Gambhir shook hands.

However, the situation soon escalated after Kyle Mayers walked up to Kohli and said something. Gambhir immediately came and took Mayers away from the scene.

The situation further deteriorated when Gambhir, who was interrupted by LSG players, turned back and walked up to Kohli with some heated words.

Kohli, who seemed calm on this occasion, kept his hand on Gambhir's shoulder and interacted.

Amit Mishra, LSG captain KL Rahul diffused the situation by separating the two.

Rahul and Kohli, who are known to be good friends, were spotted having a long conversation along the boundary lines later.