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3 Times When Controversy Rocked IPL During RCB Vs LSG Ft. Kohli-Gambhir Fight

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir fight [Source: nispal98m/X]Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir fight [Source: nispal98m/X]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed another chapter in its storied book of rivalries back in 2023, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) edged Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a low-scoring thriller. 

However, the match’s defining moment wasn’t a six or a wicket, it was the fiery on-field spat between RCB icon Virat Kohli and LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir, a clash that spilt over into fines and social media frenzy.

As RCB will go down for their last clash of the league stage in IPL 2025, let's rewind and look at that heated moment when Gambhir went shoulder-to-shoulder with Kohli in aggression. 

Naveen ul Haq's Actions Leading To Gambhir-Kohli Fury

In the match, tensions erupted during the 17th over when LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq and Kohli exchanged words mid-pitch. Videos showed Naveen approaching Kohli aggressively, prompting RCB’s Amit Mishra to intervene. 

The altercation simmered into the post-match handshakes, with Naveen harshly mouthing something to Kohli to which the latter was visibly displeased, leaving skipper KL Rahul to mediate awkwardly.

Gambhir Enters the Fray

The drama escalated post-match when Gautam Gambhir, a two-time IPL-winning captain and LSG’s strategist, confronted Kohli near the boundary. LSG players hurried to separate the duo, but not before cameras captured Gambhir’s visible fury and Kohli’s attempts to reason with him. 

The scene evoked memories of their 2013 showdown when Gambhir (then Kolkata Knight Riders captain) and Kohli clashed during an RCB-KKR match.

Avesh Khan's Helmet Throwing Celebration

The rivalry’s intensity extends beyond Kohli and Gambhir. Back in 2023, LSG’s Avesh Khan stoked tensions by hurling his helmet after sealing a win against RCB. The adrenaline was high since Avesh fought to make it to the crease as fielders surrounded him in an attempt to block his view. 

Ahead of the single, Harshal Patel tried to mankad him but was saved by an inch with Avesh's sharp reflexes. While the narrow-win from Avesh's bat was exciting, the bowler later regretted his action, for which he was penalized too.

Kohli's Helmet-Throwing Revenge

A year later, in 2024 after Avesh's incident, the tables turned as Kohli, in scintillating form with 316 runs in five matches, including his record-breaking 8th IPL century and crossing 7,500 IPL runs, mirrored Avesh’s theatrics with a 'helmet-banging' celebration. 

The celebration after a match-winning 113 against Rajasthan Royals sparked social media comparisons to Avesh’s fiery display further aggravating tensions between the teams.