India captain Virat Kohli clarified on the rumours of rift between him and Rohit Sharma. Kohli was asked about it during the team's pre-departure press conference in Mumbai. India will leave for West Indies to play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests
Mumbai: India captain Virat Kohli and team’s head coach Ravi Shastri were on Monday (July 29) faced with questions over reports of rift between the skipper and his deputy Rohit Sharma. Both clarified ahead of the team’s departure to the Caribbean islands.
Also read: Kohli wants Shastri to continue as India coach
In the recent past, there have been reports that there has been a rift between Kohli and Rohit with the latter un-following the skipper and his Bollywood actress wife Anushka Sharma on Instagram.
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In the pre-departure press conference on Monday, Kohli dismissed rumours of rift between him and Rohit. He said it was “baffling” to read such reports. Also, he said that there was camaraderie among the players.
It is baffling to read (reports of an alleged rift). We are feeding off lies, overlooking facts & turning a blind eye to all the good things that have happened. It is disrespectful: pic.twitter.com/gl9oPm8veE
— BCCI (@BCCI)Also read: Commentators announced for India-West Indies series
“In my opinion it is baffling. Ridiculous to read such things (rift reports). We are feeding off lies, overlooking facts & turning a blind eye to all the good things that have happened. It is disrespectful," he said.
"I've seen this for too long now, bringing personal lives into the picture. It's disrespectful beyond a point, honestly. I've played the game for 11 years, Rohit has played for 10 years. It's bizarre that people are creating this stuff on the outside. You guys come to the change room and see, we can't make videos and show you guys.
"It baffles you as a leader, coach and a team when lies are being floated around. They are made to look like they are believable. It's disrespectful.
“I always have praised Rohit whenever I have had an opportunity because I believe he is that good. We have had no issues. As I said, it is baffling to be honest. I don't know who is benefiting from all of this,” Kohli said.
I have praised whenever I have had an opportunity because he has been that good. We have had no issues. We are working towards getting Indian Cricket to the top: pic.twitter.com/ijGqyKDxtS
— BCCI (@BCCI)"We've had no issues. If I don't like somebody, it shows on my face. I have also heard a lot in past few days but if team atmosphere wasn't good, we couldn't have played well," Kohli said.
Coach Shastri too dismissed the rumours and termed them "non-sense".
India play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests agains the West Indies from August 3 to September 3.
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