Explained: Reason behind Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir face-off and penalties star players face
Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir face-off: Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gautam Gambhir and Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli entered into a heated argument with each other in a match during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 Monday evening. The match was won by RCB.
However, the star players from both teams — Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir's entered into an ugly spat , leading to a breach of the Code of Conduct of the IPL 2023 tournament. Both Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli have been fined heavily by the IPL committee.
Know what happened and why both players were fined
Gautam Gambhir (Lucknow Super Giants) and Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) have been fined their 100 per cent match fee for for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct due to their heated brawl during the match on May 1 evening.
The players have been admitted to the Level 2 offense under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which implies that both Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli would not be paid for their IPL match of May 1.
Naveen-ul-Haq was also fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the Code of Conduct. Naveen-ul-Haq admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct.
What does IPL 2023 Code of Conduct Article 2.21 means?
It states that “Match Officials shall not engage in any conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the game of cricket, BCCI and/or the League including without limitation the following: 2.1 Conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game. 2.2 Conduct that brings the game into disrepute.”
Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir face-off
The recent feud between both star players could be attributed to multiple verbal fights that Virat Kohli was involved in with Naveen ul-Haq, Amit Mishra and Gautam Gambhir. Monday's altercation could probably be due to LSG mentor's aggressive celebrations and gestures in their previous encounter in Bengaluru.
It all started when the LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli exchanged words in the handshake after the match. Later, LSG opener Kyle Mayers was seen having a word with Virat Kohli. However, Gautam Gambhir interrupted by pulling the opener away. Kohli was seen trying to pacify Gambhir with his hand on his shoulder, but the conversation took an ugly turn.
It seemed to be revenge personified by Virat Kohli as he himself, in a video posted by RCB after their 18-run win against Lucknow Super Giants, said, "If you can give it, you gotta take it, otherwise don't give it."
Peep into history
Both star players had first come face to face on the cricket field during the 2013 IPL. Gautam Gambhir was the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders and Virat Kohli was the leader of Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the RCB vs KKR match at Chinnaswamy during the 2013 IPL, Gambhir appeared to have said something to Virat Kohli after he got out, which probably did not go down well with Virat Kohli. Since, both do not seem to be sharing a cordial relationship.
- With inputs from agencies
