“Kohli Kohli”: Hyderabad Fans Tease Gautam Gambhir By Chanting Virat Kohli’s Name Amid No Ball Controversy

Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gautam Gambhir was ridiculed by fans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium today. Gambhir was returning to the dugout when a section of fans started chanting “Kohli Kohli” in reference to his altercation with former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli earlier this month.

Not the first instance of Gambhir being teased by Kohli’s name since that incident, even Chennai Super Kings‘ fans had done it when Gambhir was walking up the stairs at Super Giants’ home ground Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Unlike the first occasion involving Kohli, Gambhir didn’t react on both the fans’ jibe at him.

Hyderabad Fans Tease Gautam Gambhir by Chanting Virat Kohli’s Name

Video clips of the incident have been doing the rounds across social media platforms since then.

What Really Happened During No Ball Controversy in SRH vs LSG Match?

The aforementioned video occurred right after a no-ball controversy in Indian Premier League 2023 Match 58 when Sunrisers Hyderabad were denied off a waist height no-ball. It all happened in the penultimate over when LSG pacer Avesh Khan (1/30) bowled a full toss to Abdul Samad (37*).

Originally signaled as a no-ball by the square leg umpire, the decision was reversed after the visitors opted to challenge the on-field umpire’s decision. Although third umpire Yeshwant Barde’s decision to term it as a legal delivery was criticized by many, spectators didn’t accept the decision in the best of manners.

With fans reportedly throwing nuts and bolts inside the playing area especially around Lucknow’s dugout, head coach Andy Flower objected to the unruly behaviour. An interference from several players and fans called for a significant delay in proceedings before the remaining balls were bowled.

Heinrich Klaasen Reckons No Ball Controversy Broke Momentum

Hyderabad batter Heinrich Klassen, who was batting alongside Samad when all of this happened, didn’t mince his words while expressing disappointment with the supporters of his team.

“Disappointed with the crowd, to be honest. That’s not what you want. That broke a lot of momentum. Not so great umpiring. Decision had been made there but you have to get over it and go on with life,” Klaasen told host broadcaster Star Sports Network during the mid-innings break.

Although Klaasen hit a boundary right after the matter was resolved, he became Khan’s only wicket on the last ball of the same over. Having top scored for SRH on the back of his 47 (29), the 31-year old player stitched a brilliant rescue act in the form of a 58-run sixth-wicket partnership with Samad.