Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Naveen-ul-Haq was the target of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants by fans in the Indian Premier League 2023 for more than three weeks.
The furor started after a verbal spat between the pacer and Virat Kohli during LSG vs RCB match on May 1 in Lucknow. Fans taunted Naveen every time he took the field, but the seamer was hardly bothered.
During the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians (MI), the crowd didn’t stop at Chepauk either.
Naveen celebrated Rohit Sharma’s wicket by putting two fingers in his ears.
When asked about the chants, he said it is enjoyable to get teased by fans as chants drive him to do well for his team.
“I enjoy it (chanting). It gives me passion when everyone chants Virat Kohli’s name,” he said.
“Outside noise doesn’t bother me. My aim is to do well for my franchise. As a cricketer, you have to accept it. The fans go against you when you don’t perform well, but they chant your name when you contribute,” he added.
Despite Naveen’s four wickets, Lucknow lost the game to Mumbai Indians.