Virat Kohli vs Gambhir Fight: Kohli, Gautam Gambhir & Naveen Ul Haq fined by IPL Governing council

Both Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir have been fined with a 100% match fee fine for engaging in a verbal altercation.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir have been fined 100% of their match fees for violating the Code of Conduct during the Indian Premier League match between Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow. Kohli, who played as a batter for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gambhir, who served as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants, admitted to committing a Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct during the game at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

"Mr Gambhir admitted ro the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct." an IPL media release stated.

"Mr Kohli admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct," the release added.

Naveen-ul-Haq also fined 50% of his match fees for breaching the IPL's Code of Conduct

Naveen-ul-Haq, who is a right arm fast bowler for LSG, was fined 50% of his match fees for violating the IPL's Code of Conduct. The incident in question occurred during the customary handshake after the match when Naveen was involved in a controversial moment with Kohli.

“Mr Naveen-ul-Haq admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct,” the statement added.

Controversy Erupts as Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Clash on IPL Field

The incident occurred after RCB managed to bowl LSG out for 108 after scoring 126/9 in 20 overs, batting first. Despite KL Rahul's valiant effort to take his team to victory while batting with a leg injury, they fell short. Throughout the Lucknow innings, Kohli was seen celebrating the fall of wickets with his usual aggressive gestures.

During the previous encounter between the two teams, which took place last month, LSG's team mentor, Gambhir, had signaled the RCB home crowd to be quiet after LSG's narrow win. In response, Kohli blew kisses at the Lucknow crowd when their team lost a wicket and also mimicked Gambhir's keep silent sign by putting his finger to his lips.

After the match, Kohli and Gambhir shook hands, and everything seemed fine. However, LSG opener Kyle Mayers approached Kohli to speak with him, and Gambhir quickly intervened and took Mayers away. Visuals from the match showed Gambhir being involved in an heated altercation with Kohli while other players and support staff separated the two. Kohli later had a lengthy chat with LSG captain KL Rahul.