Ever since the clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1, Naveen-ul-Haq has found himself in the center of attention due to a heated argument with Virat Kohli. While Kohli has chosen not to react to the incident, Naveen has been posting cryptic messages on social media, which has garnered some negative sentiment towards him.
Even during the match against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk on Wednesday, the crowd taunted him with “Kohli Kohli” chants, as they had done before, referencing his off-field behavior.
After LSG’s elimination on Wednesday, Naveen was asked about his feelings regarding the constant chanting of Kohli’s name by the crowd throughout the tournament. However, the 23-year-old responded with sportsmanship, stating that the chants had no negative impact on him. Instead, he expressed that the chants fueled his passion to perform better on the field.
“I enjoy it. I appreciate it when everyone on the field chants his (Virat Kohli) name or the name of any other player. It ignites my determination to perform well for my team,” Naveen shared at the post-match presentation.
Kohli Kohli chants in Chepauk for Naveen-ul-haq.pic.twitter.com/PCcdfDT6ei
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) May 25, 2023
“Well, I don’t pay attention to the external noise or what people say from the outside. I solely focus on my own cricket and my own process. The crowd’s chants or anyone’s comments do not affect me. As professional sportsmen, we must embrace these situations. When you don’t perform well for your team, fans are going to criticize you. And when you do perform well, those same people will chant your name. It’s all part and parcel of the game,” Naveen concluded.
