The Indian cricket team’s chief selector Chetan Sharma has played down rumours of a rift between Test captain Virat Kohli and white-ball skipper Rohit Sharma. Following the selector’s decision to remove Virat as the ODI captain and appoint Rohit, there was widespread speculation about a rift between the two batters. 

On being asked in a press conference, if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will arrange a meeting between the duo to iron things out, Chetan replied, “but about what? Things are absolutely fine. That’s why I was saying don’t go by speculations. We’re all cricketers first and selectors later. There is nothing between them.” 

The chief selector further claimed he laughs at reports of a rift between them and suggested that Virat and Rohit share a good relationship. 

“Sometimes I read reports about them and laugh. I’m telling you there is such good planning between them about the future. Things are fantastic. If you were in my place, you would have enjoyed watching how these guys are working together as a team and family and a unit. It’s really saddening when people make up things like that. So please, leave controversies behind in 2021. Let’s talk about how to make them the best team,” said Chetan. 

Earlier, before India’s departure to South Africa, Virat had also denied a rift between him and the Mumbai Indians skipper.  “Between Rohit and I, there is no problem at all. Honestly, over the last 2, 2 and half years, I have been clarifying this. I am tired of doing it. Again and again, the same question is being asked of me. I will tell you one thing with a guarantee that my actions and my communications will never bring down the team till the time I play cricket,” Kohli said in a pre-departure press conference. 

On Friday, the selection committee announced India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Rohit will miss the tour due to a hamstring injury and KL Rahul will lead the team in his absence. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been named as the vice-captain.