The Indian team has been announced to play the first bilateral series after the World Cup against West Indies. In the meantime, the media is talking about differences among the players. According to media reports, the domination of skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma over the team has led to the split amongst the players. After the defeat to New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals, many things are being talked out.
Gulf News has claimed in a report that Team India was split in two halves in the World Cup. The one camp was of Virat Kohli, the other was of Rohit Sharma’s. The players in Rohit Sharma’s side were not entertaining the decision made by skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri. On many occasions, Rohit also expressed his anger over Kohli’s decisions, due to which the dispute grew between the two. After losing the semi-finals, Rohit Sharma’s group also spoke of removing Virat Kohli from captaincy, who has not won any ICC tournament so far.
According to Gulf News reports, Rohit Sharma and his camp was angry with the decision to not include Mohammad Shami in the last 11 in the semi-final clash. Shami looked in good shape and picked 14 wickets in 4 matches, which includes a game changing hat trick against Afghanistan. At the same time Ravindra Jadeja was ignored during the World Cup matches which rose the difference between Virat and Rohit. Jadeja went onto play the innings of his life in the semi-finals and almost took India to the finishing line.
Virat Kohli responds to the speculations
The Indian skipper denied all the speculations of rift between him and the limited overs vice captain- Rohit Sharma during the press conference.
“In my opinion it’s baffling to be honest. It’s absolutely ridiculous to read such stuff that comes out. I have been to a few public events and the sentiment is ‘aap log kya khele (you guys played so well)’,” Kohli responded to the rumours.
“We are feeding off lies. We are overlooking facts. We are turning a blind eye to all the good things that has happened. We are creating fantasies and scenarios in our head and want to accept that this is the truth. I have seen this for too long now. Bringing personal lives into the picture. It’s disrespectful after a moment. There is nothing between me and Rohit,” Kohli said.
Head coach Ravi Shastri also cleared the air and denied any dispute in the team. “No nonsense in the team, not a single individual is greater than the team.”
India will now travel to West Indies to play the full fledged series with the men in maroon.
