Watch: Former Indian player slams Virat Kohli

In a recent interview, former Indian spinner Amit Mishra has revealed an on-field altercation between Virat Kohli and Afghanistan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match.

Mishra, who played for India from 2003 to 2017, claimed that Kohli initiated the verbal abuse, which escalated into a heated exchange involving current India head coach Gautam Gambhir.

According to Mishra, the incident began in Bengaluru when Kohli’s team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), lost to Mishra’s team, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Gambhir, who was LSG’s mentor at the time, gestured to the crowd to calm down, which seemingly irritated Kohli.

Amit Mishra said, “I have seen a lot of changes in Virat Kohli. Our conversations reduced to almost nothing. The changes were due to fame and captaincy. When you have that power, you start thinking that people want to connect with you only for their benefit.” (SM YT) pic.twitter.com/RDx1UDctcv

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) July 15, 2024

The situation intensified in the rematch in Lucknow, where Kohli allegedly continued to abuse Naveen-ul-Haq, prompting Mishra to intervene.

Mishra attempted to calm Kohli, reminding him of his stature and the respect he should show to younger players. However, Kohli refused to listen, responding that it was Mishra’s responsibility to educate Naveen, not his.

“It all started in Bengaluru where we (LSG) won the game and [Gautam] Gambhir expressed his aggression. The public was going mad so Gautam gestured them to keep quiet. Probably Virat Kohli didn’t like that,” said Mishra while speaking to a YouTube show.

“We thought the matter ended with the game but not for Kohli. He started abusing our players [in the LSG vs RCB rematch in Lucknow].”

“Naveen-ul-Haq was bowling, he would abuse him too. He could have avoided that but he chose not to,” he added.

“I was batting with Naveen, I asked Kohli, ‘Who are you even talking to He’s just a youngster and not even close to your stature. Whatever happened has happened.’ He answered back, saying you make him understand, not me.”

Mishra praised Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni for their respectful treatment of junior player.

While the incident has sparked attention, it remains a matter of he-said-he-said, with no official statements from the players or teams involved.