Naveen-ul-Haq of the Lucknow Super Giants has replied to spectators calling out Virat Kohli’s name during the ongoing IPL. The pacer added that he ‘enjoys’ the shouts since they motivate him to perform well for his squad.
On May 1, Naveen and Kohli got into a heated argument after LSG’s match against RCB in Lucknow. Following the incident, the bowler has made many comments at the RCB star via his social media accounts, which has enraged Kohli supporters. They have been chanting ‘Kohli, Kohli’ on a frequent basis.
The chants could also be heard on Wednesday, May 24, as Naveen raced to bowl in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians. The LSG bowler appeared to be energised by the crowd intervention, as he replied with ‘shut out the noise’ celebration after taking several vital wickets.
Following LSG’s 81-run loss against MI, Naveen acknowledged:
“I enjoy it [being taunted by crowd]. I like that everybody in the ground is chanting his [Kohli’s] name, or any other player’s name. It gives me passion to play well for my team.”
The 23-year-old claimed that outside noise does not disturb him since he is focused on doing well as a player.
“I don’t concentrate on the outside noise. I just focus on my own cricket. It’s not like if the crowd is chanting or anyone is saying something… it doesn’t affect me. As professional sportsmen you have to take it in your stride.”
“One day you will not do your best for the team and these fans are going to give it to you. On another day, you’ll do a special thing for your team and the same people are going to chant your name.”
Naveen was a standout with the ball for LSG vs MI, claiming 4/38. However, Lucknow’s batting fell short, as they were dismissed for 101 in 16.3 overs while pursuing 183.
Naveen-ul-Haq: “It was an achievable target”
LSG’s batsmen put up a poor effort to lose to MI in the Eliminator. Naveen thought the target was reachable.
“It was an achievable target. The wicket was playing quite well. In between, we couldn’t handle the pressure to be honest. We gave away three to four wickets in quick succession. That was the turning point in the game.”
Even though Lucknow lost the game, Naveen pleased many with his bowling performance on Wednesday. The use of his slower balls, which resulted in the majority of his wickets.
“You assess the conditions. You see the conditions, what they offer. I think the pitch was offering a bit of help. It wasn’t like we were bowling 3-4 slower ones in an over but just to keep the batters guessing, you have to vary your pace and vary your line and length.”
“It comes with T20, it’s a fast format and you have to adjust quickly and be a step ahead of the batter.”
Naveen finished IPL 2023 with 11 wickets in 8 matches at 19.91 average and 7.82 economy rate.