' I Enjoy It': LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq on 'Kohli, Kohli' chants

image-li2sgjfmNaveen picked up a 4-wicket haul [AP Photos]

Ever since, his infamous spat with Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) Virat Kohli, Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has not been spared by fans all over India. Haq has been treated to 'Kohli, Kohli' chants across stadiums, and the same happened against Mumbai Indians (MI) last evening in Eliminator of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.


The Afghanistan pacer paid no heed to distractions and rocked Mumbai Indians' top-order, which included the likes of Rohit Sharma, Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. However, LSG failed to chase down 183 runs, thanks to a memorable spell of bowling by Akash Madhwal, who helped MI win by 81 runs.

Speaking after the match, Ul-Haq explained that he is unaffected by 'Kohli, Kohli' chants, and gets motivated hearing them from the crowd. As quoted by Cricbuzz, the speedster explained that his focus is on playing cricket and giving his best for the franchise/team.

Here's what Naveen-ul-Haq said

"I enjoy it. I like that everybody in the ground is chanting his name, or any other player's name. It gives me passion to play well for my team. I don't concentrate on the outside noise. I just focus on my own cricket. It's not like if the crowd is chanting or anyone is saying something... it doesn't affect me. 

As professional sportsmen you have to take it in your stride. One day you will not do your best for the team and these fans are going to give it to you. On another day, you'll do a special thing for your team and the same people are going to chant your name,"

The 23-year-old has been in top form for LSG in his maiden IPL season, claiming 11 wickets in eight games, which include two three-wicket and one four-wicket hauls, respectively.