Kohli To Miss Pre-Departure Presser Ahead of WI Series Amid Rumoured Rift With Rohit: Report

According to a report, the primary reason behind Kohli boycotting the media conference is the growing speculation surrounding a rift between the skipper and his deputy Rohit Sharma.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is expected to not attend the pre-departure presser ahead of the West Indies tour owing of reports of tension in the dressing-room. Team India is scheduled to take off for the United States on July 29 (Monday). The first two of the three match ODIs have been scheduled in Florida while the remaining limited-overs matches will be played in West Indies. The series will commence from August 3 onwards. According to a report, the primary reason behind Kohli boycotting the media conference is the growing speculation surrounding a rift between the skipper and his deputy Rohit Sharma. After India's heartbreaking World Cup 2019 exit, it has become open speculation with many media reports surfacing that Rohit has unfollowed Virat's wife, Anushka, on Instagram. The report, however, explains that disagreement on family time during tours have resulted in a rift between the two batting stalwarts. However, BCCI has now changed the family clause wherein the skipper and the coach have the power to decide on the issue during tours. This clause could further complicate matters. However, according to a PTI report, COA chief Rai has cleared the air on his behalf by brushing aside media speculations that earlier hinted at a rift between the Indian skipper and vice-captain. “These are all stories created by you guys,” Rai replied when he was asked whether the two premier batsmen are on cold war in the aftermath of India's World Cup exit.