After Afghanistan set India a target of 273 to chase at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rohit Sharma nearly singlehandedly secured victory with a remarkable innings of 131 off just 87 deliveries, showcasing a power-hitting display for the ages.
Beyond the obvious cricketing storyline, there was another tale unfolding in this much-anticipated clash, as the crowd eagerly awaited the next chapter in the Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq feud.
While their expectations were ultimately met, the manner in which it played out was largely unexpected. However, the Delhi crowd had no reason to complain.
In the 26th over, as Naveen was returning to his bowling mark, he paused for a moment near Virat Kohli at the non-striker’s end. After a conversation that saw both of them sporting wide grins, they shook hands and even shared a side hug.
Virat Kohli asking the Delhi crowd to stop mocking Naveen Ul Haq.pic.twitter.com/Dq482rPsFU
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 11, 2023
When this moment was replayed for the live audience on the big screen, the stadium erupted in a loud cheer, signifying that the clash that had unfolded during IPL 2023 had become a topic relegated to the history books.
