Since India’s semifinal defeat against New Zealand at the 2019 ICC World Cup, several reports of a rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has been circulating all over the internet. But, the speculations got fired up after the BCCI appointed Rohit as full-time captain of India’s limited-overs side.
There were also reports that the top two Indian cricket stars aren’t ready to play under each other’s captaincy.
However, all these speculations have been put to rest by Team India’s chief selector Chetan Sharma, who claims that things are absolutely fine between the two cricketers. The former India all-rounder was quick to quash the rumours during a virtual press conference after announcing the 18-member squad for South Africa ODIs.
When asked whether Rohit-Virat need to sit across the table and iron things out, Sharma said: “But about what? Things are absolutely fine, boss. That’s why I was saying don’t go by speculation. We’re all cricketers first and selectors later. There is nothing between them, I can tell you.
“Sometimes I read reports about them and laugh. I’m telling you there is such good planning between them about the future. Things are absolutely fantastic. If you were in my place, you would have enjoyed watching how these guys are working together as a team. It’s really sad when people make up things like that,” the 55-year-old added.
The three-match ODI series between South Africa, set to begin on January 19, will see stylish opening batter KL Rahul leading the Indian brigade with Jasprit Bumrah as his deputy. Rohit, who was earlier ruled out of the three-match Test series due to injury, will also miss the ODI leg.
