Gautam Gambhir-mentored Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired Afghanistani pacer Naveen-ul-Haq for INR 50 lakh, last year, in Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The left-arm speedster was one of the top performers for his team in the tournament this year, bagging 13 wickets in eight IPL matches. However, rather than his bowling performances, fans remember Naveen for his infamous on-field spat with legend Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) IPL 2023 fixture, which Bangalore won by 18 runs on May 1. No matter where Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) played, Naveen-ul-Haq was constantly targeted by Indian fans ever since his heated banter with the RCB legend.
ALSO READ | Naveen-Ul-Haq Saga Continues: MI Players Troll The LSG Bowler, Remove Post Later
Naveen, in return, came up with an equal response to provoke Virat fans even more. First, he posted a picture of mangoes on social media, taking an indirect jibe at Royal Challengers Bangalore and Virat Kohli when the franchise was struggling in the tournament and later he shared a meme to indirectly troll Royal Challengers Bangalore after they failed to qualify for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 Playoffs.
Naveen was targeted with 'Kohli, Kohli' chants, irrespective of the venue he set his foot upon, and same happened during his team Lucknow Super Giants' IPL Eliminator clash against Mumbai Indians (MI).
After Lucknow suffered a shocking 81-run loss to Mumbai in the Eliminator, Naveen, in the post-match press conference was asked about 'the chants', to which he came up with a shocking reply.
"I enjoy it. I like everyone on the ground chanting his (Virat Kohli) name or any other player's name. It gives me the passion to play well for my team," Naveen said in the presser after his remarkable bowling spell of 4/38 vs MI.
"Well I don't concentrate on the outside or the noise from outside or anything else. I just focus on my own cricket and my own process. Crowd chanting or anyone saying something doesn't affect me.
"As professional sportsmen, you have to take this in your stride. When you don't do well for your team, fans are going to give it to you. And when you do good for your team, (the) same people are going to chant your name. Basically, this is part and parcel of the game," he added.
About LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir, Naveen-ul-Haq said, "Everyone should back their players. Mentor, coach, player or anyone. I will stand for each teammate on the ground and that's what I expect from each individual also.
“He (Gambhir) has been a legend for India, he has huge respect in India. He has given so much to Indian cricket. As a mentor, as a coach, and as a legend of cricket, I respect him a lot and have learnt so many things from him. How I should go about my cricket inside the field and the same thing outside.”