Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka recently addressed the infamous rivalry between Naveen-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli, which emerged during IPL 2023. The heated exchange occurred during a match between LSG and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), capturing widespread attention and stirring controversy.

The altercation began when Kohli, known for his aggressive on-field persona, reportedly sledged Naveen during the game. Things escalated post-match as Naveen expressed dissatisfaction with Kohli’s words. The incident further intensified when LSG’s mentor at the time, Gautam Gambhir, became involved, adding fuel to the fire.

While the situation was eventually diffused, it left a mark, with Naveen facing consistent boos from the crowd in subsequent matches for his clash with the Indian superstar. Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Sanjiv Goenka shed light on his perspective regarding the tense moment.

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“That situation arose in the game. I won’t say if anyone is right or wrong. It’s easy to be judgmental, but only the individuals involved know what was going on in their minds at the time,” Sanjiv Goenka stated, emphasizing empathy over judgment.

He further revealed his advice to Naveen during the ordeal. Goenka reassured the Afghan pacer of his full support while urging him to let his performance on the field do the talking. “I told Naveen that if he felt insecure, we were there to back him. But I also advised him to channel his spirit into taking wickets and letting his work speak for itself,” Goenka said.

Highlighting Naveen’s maturity, Sanjiv Goenka praised him for resolving the issue with Kohli, describing both players as having “big hearts.” According to Goenka, Naveen approached Kohli to make amends, and Kohli reciprocated positively, reflecting mutual respect between the two.

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Sanjiv Goenka also drew parallels with another recent altercation involving Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj, stressing the importance of composure in such situations. He explained that the owner’s role is to manage such conflicts calmly, focusing on the bigger picture. “These moments happen. As an owner, you need to quieten things down. The league is long, and you must maintain focus to ensure playoff qualification,” he remarked.

Goenka’s reflections underscore the balance between competitive spirit and sportsmanship, emphasizing resilience and professionalism as the keys to navigating high-pressure situations.