Amit Mishra Reveals Details of Kohli-Gambhir Spat
Veteran India cricketer Amit Mishra has made new revelations about the infamous clash between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during the IPL 2023 match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Speaking on Shubhbankar Mishra’s YouTube show ‘Unplugged’, Amit shared insights into the altercation that shocked cricket fans.
The Beginning of the Spat
According to Amit, the confrontation started during a match in Bengaluru where LSG defeated RCB. After the victory, Gambhir, who was then the mentor of LSG, made a finger-on-the-lips gesture aimed at the boisterous home crowd. This gesture did not sit well with Kohli, who took it as a personal affront.
“It all started in Bengaluru where we (LSG) won the game and Gambhir expressed his aggression. The public was going mad so Gautam gestured them to keep quiet. Probably Virat Kohli didn’t like that. We thought the matter ended with the game but not for Kohli,” Mishra said.
Escalation in Lucknow
The situation escalated during the reverse fixture in Lucknow. Kohli allegedly began abusing LSG players, including Kyle Myers and Naveen-ul-Haq, despite having no personal grudges against them. Mishra recounted how Kohli’s aggression was unrelenting during the game.
“He started abusing our players (in the LSG vs RCB rematch in Lucknow). He didn’t have any grudges with Kyle Myers but he abused him as well. Naveen-ul-Haq was bowling, he would abuse him too. Bohot cheezein avoid ho sakti thi but Virat Kohli ne nahi ki (a lot of things would have been avoided but Kohli chose not to).”
On-Field Tensions
Mishra further revealed details of an on-field spat between Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq when LSG was batting. While trying to diffuse the situation, Mishra approached Kohli, only to be told to address Naveen instead.
“When 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 that, not me,’ ” Amit added.
Post-Match Confrontation
The altercation didn’t end with the match. Kohli continued his verbal attacks during the customary handshakes, prompting Gambhir to intervene. Mishra recounted how he had to separate the two to prevent further escalation.
“But the problem began after the game. He (Kohli) started abusing him again during the customary handshakes. That’s when Gambhir intervened, questioning why you are starting it again when the game had ended, and you guys had won. I moved Gambhir away, but Naveen later came to the dressing room and said that Kohli had started abusing again,” he added.
Respect for Tendulkar and Dhoni
Amit concluded by contrasting Kohli’s behavior with the respectful conduct of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. He highlighted how these cricketing greats earned respect by treating their juniors with love and equality.
“Why do people still respect Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni? It is because they respect and love the junior players. You can be aggressive, but this is not done. I don’t know if you remember, but during a series against Australia, Brett Lee bowled a beamer that hit him on the shoulders. Sachin was very angry but only said, ‘It’s okay.’ After that, Lee started respecting him because, from what I heard, he had aimed at hitting him in his wrist,” he said.
Mishra’s revelations have once again brought to light the intensity and complexity of on-field rivalries, highlighting the importance of respect and sportsmanship in cricket.(online casino games)