Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s alleged rift is not a new topic in Indian cricket and the matter got more focus after Virat Kohli was removed from the position of India ODI captain. Rohit Sharma was named as the new skipper of the Indian ODI side for the South Africa tour. And again reports started emerging that there’s apparently a rift between Kohli and Rohit. But Kohli in a press conference on Wednesday (December 15) refused all the speculations of any issues between him and Rohit.
"Rohit is a very able captain and we have seen it in the IPL as well as for India. [Rahul] Dravid is also very valuable. Both of them will have my absolute support. There is no problem between me and Rohit Sharma. I have been clarifying since the last 2.5 years. Now I am literally tired of saying this again and again," Kohli said in a virtual press conference.
Kohli also opened up on his recent form and how he will approach the 50-over game as a batter in the side under Rohit.
"I have done the best I could. My motivation level to perform for the team will never dip. As captain, I have been honest to my responsibilities and have been absolutely honest to the job.
"Batting, of course, when you have done this for a long time at the international level, you know how to perform. Nothing can derail me from playing for India. Nothing can derail me from being motivated to play for India."
On Monday (December 13), Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the Test series in South Africa after picking up an injury during a training session. India Test team skipper Kohli believes that he will miss Rohit in the Tests.
“With his experience and skill we will miss his presence. But this also gives opportunities to new players to impress,” said the 33-year old Indian Test team skipper referring to Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul.
The three-match Test series is scheduled to start on December 26 in Centurion.
