IPL 2023: Kohli-Gambhir altercation after RCB beat Lucknow Giants

Following an apparent altercation between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir following the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday, which was captured on TV cameras, both cricketers were fined 100% of their match fees for violating the Indian Premier League Code of Conduct.

The brawl broke out at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in here after RCB bowled LSG out for 108, scoring 126/9 in 20 overs, with KL Rahul batting despite a leg injury in a futile bid to lead his team to victory. In his trademark animated aggression, Kohli celebrated the LSG wickets falling during their innings. He was observed kissing the audience.

Both Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants Team coach Gambhir admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct.

Aside from that, LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq was fined 50% of his match fees for violating the Code of Conduct. Naveen-ul-Haq admitted to the Level 1 infraction under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct.
Last month, after LSG’s tight victory, LSG squad mentor Gambhir told the RCB home crowd to stay quiet.

Not only did Kohli blow kiss to the Lucknow audience when their team lost a wicket, but he also imitated Gambhir by placing his finger to his lips and making the remain silent sign. After the game, the two shook hands and everything appeared to be OK.

LSG opener Kyle Mayers approached Kohli and began conversing when Gambhir arrived and escorted Mayers away. A short time later, footage from the match showed Gautam Gambhir animatedly conversing to Virat Kohli. Other players and support staff, including KL Rahul, were seen separating the two. Kohli was then seen conversing with LSG skipper KL Rahul.