'Finally GG bhi King ka fan ban gaya' - Fans react as Gautam Gambhir praises Virat Kohli's gesture to stop crowd from mocking Naveen-ul-Haq

Cricket's biggest spectacle, India vs Afghanistan match, Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq face off at the former's home ground, with Gautam Gambhir on the commentary panel. Fans had plenty to fuel their excitement that was built up during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 encounter. However, the scenario was totally in contrast to the expectations of the fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. 

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The Afghanistan pacer was treated with 'Kohli, Kohli' chants when he walked out to bat during the first innings of the IND vs AFG 2023 ODI World Cup match. The broadcasters also joined in the fun as Kohli and Naveen's faces were shown after each delivery. During India's batting innings, the crowd was eagerly waiting for Kohli to walk into the middle and they gave a thunderous reception for the local lad after Ishan Kishan's dismissal. 

Naveen was brought into the attack when Virat Kohli started his innings in the middle and the excitement of the fans doubled. However, in a surprising turn of events, Kohli and Naveen shared a warm embrace during the change of overs, signalling that they had buried the hatchet. Moreover, when the crowd mocked the Afghan seamer, the former Indian captain asked them not to continue.

You can support or not but don't mock him: Gambhir urges fans to stop mocking Naveen

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Kohli's million-dollar gesture received huge praise from the cricket fraternity, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir being one of them. Gambhir, who was directly involved in kick-starting their feud, said it was a great gesture from Kohli. He also urged fans not to mock him in the further matches of the ongoing tournament. 

"It was a great gesture from Virat Kohli to ask the crowd not to mock Naveen, I hope in coming matches, in different venues, fans doesn't troll him, everyone has done lots of sacrifices, you can support or not but don't mock him," said the former Lucknow Super Giants mentor. 

Talking about the match, India registered a dominant victory over Afghanistan and climbed to the top 2 spot in the points table. The visitors were restricted to 272/8 in 50 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma's quick-fire century (131 off 84) guided the Men in Blue to a comfortable eight-wicket victory in just 35 overs. Ishan Kishan departed after scoring 47 runs while Kohli remained unbeaten on 55 to finish the game with a boundary. 

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Here's how fans reacted to Gautam Gambhir praising Virat Kohli: 

It's more like Gambhir asking people not to mock him😂🏃‍♂️

— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) October 12, 2023

actually it was gambhir who made it big fight. now he is trying to be big

— Kusal Singh Basnyat (@KusKusal) October 12, 2023

Excellent statement from Gambhir 👍

— Tanveer Hassan (@tanveercric56_) October 12, 2023

Bhai tu khud commentary me ye kam krta hai aur dusro ko gyan de rha hai😂

— R (@Thunder3108) October 12, 2023

Cricket aggression at the time of Gambhir was something else...😴

— Salaar Sikandar (@BaloochMudasir) October 12, 2023

Fans aren't going to attend irrelevant Afg matches. Yesterday they came just to see King Kohli 😂

— aks (@ReignOfVirat) October 12, 2023

Cheeku vs mango now become Navirat.

— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 12, 2023

At least ghambir admission 😅

— Abuzar Shah (@AbuzarShah0) October 12, 2023

Virat just stopped the crowd from chanting what a player he is

— Talha Zeb (@PakhtoonSoul) October 12, 2023

Finally Gambhir bhi King ka fan ban gaya 💯✅😎

— King Kohli's Fan (@PratikV88611911) October 12, 2023