IPL 2023: “GG’s not even playing,” Shane Watson shares his two cents on Kohli-Gambhir verbal spat

Kohli and Gambhir's altercation has created quite a stir in the cricket fraternity.

By Salman Anjum - 06 May, 2023

Delhi Capitals (DC) assistant coach Shane Watson has shared his two cents on the heated altercation between Royal Challengers (RCB) batter Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team mentor Gautam Gambhir during an IPL match earlier this week.

According to the former Australia all-rounder, being a fierce competitor on the ground is fine but players should keep their differences away once the match is over.

“Being competitive on the field is great, I’m all for that. That’s where people are at their best… it hones their instincts and focusses their mind,” Watson said on The Grade Cricketer podcast.

“But when that boils over off the field, that’s when you got to leave it. On the field, you can have a crack because you’re fighting for survival, trying to win and be at your best.

“Once the game’s done, the game’s done. Let’s just move on. What happened with Virat and Gautam Gambhir… no one wants to see that boil over. GG’s not even playing!” he added.

Kohli also engaged in a war of words with LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq during the chase. The on-field aggression then spilled over to the post-match handshakes as Virat and Naveen had another verbal spat.

Following the game, Gambhir was seen approaching Kohli aggressively with his players and the two had an animated chat. Before the matter could have gone out of hand, the two stars were separated by the players and support staff members of both sides.

Things look ugly in the middle and all three involved were reprimanded by the match referee. While Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100% of their match fees, Naveen copped 50% penalty for breaching the IPL code of conduct.

By Salman Anjum - 06 May, 2023

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