I don't believe in sarcastic mind games: Kohli answers Anderson

I don't believe in sarcastic mind games: Kohli answers Anderson

Photo: AP

Mumbai: Virat Kohli's maturity as a captain came to the fore today as he made light of Jimmy Anderson's comments about his technique urging the England veteran to "move on" but also made it clear that playing "sarcastic mind games" is not his cup of tea.

He also said that Ravichandran Ashwin had told Anderson in no uncertain terms about importance of "accepting defeat".

Anderson in his post-match press conference yesterday had made an uncharitable comment that Kohli's technical deficiencies was not at display because the pitches in India which is devoid of bounce and there is lack of movement.

This was after Indian captain has pulverised the England attack scoring 640 runs in 4 Tests.

When Kohli was asked what went wrong with England team, he did make a statement for all those who could understand what he effectively meant.

"I am no one or in no position to question someone else's technique or someone else's faults. They should understand it themselves and work on it. As international cricketers, it is their responsibility. So I am not going to sit here and play sarcastic mind games. I want to focus on good cricket and that is exactly what we have done."

The skipper did take a dig without naming anyone that Indian teams have always been graceful in defeat.

"We focus on our strengths, we accept defeat pretty gracefully. We have never complained, we always find faults in our game and try to improve that. That is exactly what we keep doing in every game that we play."

When Anderson came into bat, Ashwin was seen talking to him and it was Kohli and the umpires who intervened. Asked about the incident, Virat potrayed an elderly statesman like attitude.

"It was the first time I was trying to calm things down at a time when he is (Anderson) involved. Ashwin was not pleased with whatever he had said in the press (yesterday). Ashwin told me on the ground, I had no clue about it. I was laughing about it, but Ashwin was not too impressed," Kohli told mediapersons.

"He (Ashwin) let him know, not using bad words at all, I think he said he was pretty disappointed in what he said and it's important to accept defeat and things like that. You know how Ashwin is, to the point he can really strike you well without using bad words. That's exactly what happened. Later on, I told James these things happen and it's time to move on," Kohli showed that he is ready to put an end to the controversy.

Rival captain Alastair Cook termed it as something that has been blown out of proportion.

"It was a bit of a sour end really. A disappointing end in terms of how well the spirit between both sides has been. It was clearly reference to what Jimmy said yesterday which has kind of been blown out of all proportions which it can happen here," said Cook.

But Cook's next comment seemed to indicate that he endorsed what his senior-most fast bowler had said.

"He (Anderson) was just stating a fact which if you asked Virat is probably quite true. But yes, it was obviously just ticking up for their captain, which I thought was slightly unnecessary," he added.