With a lot of rumours taking place across social media platforms, India’s Test skipper Virat Kohli has cleared the air by quashing the rumours, saying he doesn’t have an issue with the newly-appointed white-ball skipper, Rohit Sharma.
In his pre-departure press conference ahead of India’s tour of South Africa, starting December 26, Kohli reiterated that he is fed up while explaining things regarding the rift between him and Rohit.
Watch a clip of Virat Kohli’s explosive press conference:
The batting giant asserted that he won’t let down his team until he bids adieu to the gentleman’s game.
“Between Rohit and I, there is no problem at all. Honestly, over the last 2, 2 and half years, I have been clarifying this. I am tired of doing it. Again and again, the same question is being asked of me,” Virat Kohli said during a presser, adding, “I will tell you one thing with a guarantee that my actions and my communications will never bring down the team till the time I play cricket.”
Earlier, Rohit had also hailed Kohli for his dynamic leadership and his contribution as a batsman for Team India over the years.
The rumours of a rift spread like a wildfire when reports claimed that Kohli won’t partake in the ODI series which is slated to kick off on January 19. However, to which, BCCI has clarified that Kohli is available for the series against the Proteas.
Meanwhile, Kohli has thrown support behind Team India Head coach Rahul Dravid and his teammate Rohit Sharma.
“My responsibility is obviously to push the team in the right direction. Something that I have always looked to do even before I became a captain. So, that mindset will never change. Rohit is a very able captain and tactically sound. We have seen that in the games he had captained India and in the IPL as well,” he added.
“Along with Rahul Bhai, who’s a very balanced coach – great man manager. Both of them will have my absolute support and my contribution in whatever vision they set for the team, I will be there to support that one hundred per cent and continue to be a guy who can push the team in the right direction going forward from here in ODIs and T20Is,” Kohli further added.
Besides, the star cricketer Kohli had also lashed out at the rumour mongers by saying he’s keen to play cricket and those questions should be posed to people who’re fabricating stories.
“I am available for selection and was available for selection. You should not be asking these questions. You should be asking to people who are writing these and their sources.
“As far as I am concerned, I am always available for selection. In the past, it was written that I was attending some function but I was in Mumbai all the while.
“They are absolutely not credible. I am available for ODIs, and I was always keen to play. As I said, these questions would be asked to people who are writing lies,” Kohli maintained.
Pertinently, Rohit was ruled out of the three-match Test series in South Africa with a hamstring injury.
With a lot of developments taking place, the timing of the major incident was also questioned by former India skipper and Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) President Mohammad Azharuddin.
Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) December 14, 2021
Earlier, Kohli was removed as ODI captain after stepping down as T20I captain post-T20 World Cup.
Regarding being stripped off from ODI captaincy Kohli admitted the fact that there was a communication gap and he was informed late about his removal from the leadership role in the One-day format.
“Whatever was said, I was contacted 1 and half hours before the meeting. There was no communication. The chief selector discussed the Test team. Before ending the call, I was told the five selectors told me I will not be ODI captain. I told them ‘it is fine’,” Kohli concluded.
💬 💬 @ImRo45 and Rahul Dravid have my absolute support: @imVkohli #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/jXUwZ5W1Dz
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 15, 2021
