Kohli trashes reports of a rift with Kumble, says team is focused on Champions Trophy

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Trashing all the talks about a possible fall out between him and head coach Anil Kumble, Indian captain Virat Kohli said there is nothing wrong whatsoever. 

Addressing the media before the all important India-Pakistan encounter Kohli sternly advised people not to speculate about matters outside cricket.

“There is nothing wrong whatsoever. I don’t know why people speculate so much. The team is very much focused on the job in hand,” said Kohli.

Kohli was particularly severe on reports going around of a possible rift between the coach and captain in an important tournament like Champions Trophy.

Kohli described the team as a family where disagreements can happen.

"It's normal to have disagreements, even at home, not everybody agrees on everything. It's human nature. When you don't know  about something completely, don't spread rumours and speculate, just focus on cricket," he was terse in his answers.

Kohli said he understands that media has a job to do and he would rather focus on his -- that is playing cricket.

He didn't wish to elaborate on why the BCCI invited coaches' application despite Kumble's phenomenal record.

"I don't understand why there is speculation for a process. I don't even know, I don't want to know. In a tournament which is so much in focus, lot of people like to find rumours before the tournament. They are trying to do their job and get their livelihood, we will focus on our livelihood. 

BCCI invited applications for the Team India’s head coach on a day when the Kohli-led isde landed in England to defend their Champions Trophy. That immediately sparked off reports about a possible crack in Kohli-Kumble relation. 

Kumble’s term comes to and as soon as the Champions Trophy commences. However, he has been given an automatic entry as an applicant, which includes the likes of Sehwag, Moody and Rajput.

Kohli on the other hand refused to get dragged into all the discussions and lamented about being focused on cricket.  

India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in its tournament on Sunday. On paper the Indian side may look the superior lot but Kohli guarded his team against being complacent.

“As a team Pakistan can surprise you. We don't play them regularly but we are aware of their strengths,” added the Indian captain.