Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) hosted Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Match 43 of the IPL 2023 in Lucknow. In a low-scoring game on a tricky pitch, RCB prevailed by 18 runs.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis opted to bat first after winning the toss and then played a crucial knock of 44, and added 62 runs for the first wicket with Virat Kohli (31). Thereafter, scoring became increasingly difficult as LSG applied pressure from both ends, to restrict RCB to 126/9. Naveen-ul-Haq with three wickets, and Ravi Bishnoi and Amit Mishra were the most successful bowlers with 2 wickets apiece.
LSG captain KL Rahul couldn't open the innings after hurting his right leg, and that played a major role in RCB's win as the hosts could never get a sizeable partnership to have any control of the chase. Krishnappa Gowtham (23) was the highest scorer as LSG were bowled out for 108 in 19.5 overs.
Rahul came out to bat at number 11, but was in no condition to make any impact as he remained not out on 0 off three balls. Josh Hazlewood and Karn Sharma took two wickets each for RCB.
WATCH- Virat has animated discussion with Gambhir after being chided by Mayers and Naveen Ul Haq
The LSG innings saw some sparks fly as a fired up Virat Kohli responded to Gautam Gambhir, mentor of LSG, by replicating his 'keep quiet' gesture and then blowing love towards the Lucknow fans.
He later engaged in a war of words with Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq during the 17th over, as the umpire intervened to calm him down with Amit Mishra also having a few things to say.
The onfield aggression then spilled over to the post-match handshakes as Kohli and Naveen had another heated exchange.
Interestingly, it did not end there as Naveen-ul-Haq seemed to react sharply again while Kohli was explaining what happened to KL Rahul, as the LSG captain asked him to come for a chat but the Afghan seamer denied and moved away.
Kohli's fans on the ground also joined in as they chanted the former RCB captain's name when Naveen-ul-Haq came forward to collect his award and cheque for his fine bowling performance.
Kohli also had a few words with Kyle Mayers and then engaged in an animated conversation with Gautam Gambhir, before the two were separated. Interestingly, there is a previous history of verbal exchange between the two Delhiites in the IPL.
