Virat Kohli, Naveen ul Haq let go of differences with an embrace
In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Afghanistan and India clashed in the ninth game of the ICC ODI World Cup. The Afghan team, captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a competitive total of 272 runs on a decent Delhi surface.
However, the match was not just about the cricketing action; it also witnessed a heartwarming moment that transcended the fierce competition. After months of drama and heated exchanges during the Indian Premier League (IPL), Indian cricketing superstar Virat Kohli and Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq shared a smile and a warm embrace, marking the burying of the hatchet.
Naveen-ul-Haq, who had previously been involved in on-field clashes with Kohli during the IPL, extended a hand of friendship. Kohli, known for his sportsmanship and leadership, responded positively. According to RevSportz Naveen stated, “He is a nice man, a great player. We just shook hands and dusted off what happened in the IPL.”
The exchange occurred during the 26th over of India’s chase. Rohit Sharma, who had earlier showcased his brilliance with a remarkable century, was dismissed by Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan. As Rohit was making his way back to the pavilion after a superb knock of 131, the camera captured Naveen walking up to Virat Kohli.
As the World Cup unfolds, moments like this one between Naveen-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli remind us that cricket is not just about statistics and results; it’s also about human connections and the mutual appreciation of each other’s skills and talents. This exchange on the field exemplifies the true essence of the sport, bringing a smile to the faces of fans from both nations.