Published 19:44 IST, September 10th 2019
Shastri on Kohli-Sharma rift: Why would Rohit hit five tons in WC?
Ravi Shastri, head coach of the Indian cricket team rubbished rumours of an alleged rift between Indian skipper Virat Kohli and ODI Vice-captain Rohit Sharma.
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Ravi Shastri, head coach of the Indian cricket team rubbished the rumours of an alleged rift between Indian skipper Virat Kohli and ODI Vice-captain Rohit Sharma. The former commentator and current head coach downplayed the speculation of a rift by saying that the team's performance in T20 Internationals, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and even in big ICC tournaments has been unbelievable and it would not have been the same if there was a rift. The Indian head coach, commended Rohit Sharma's form during the ICC World Cup 2019 and said that the team wouldn't have performed so well if there was a rift between the captain and the vice captain. Rohit Sharma was in a splendid form during the World Cup as he amassed five centuries and also became the first player to do so in a single World Cup edition. Sharma also became the second highest scorer in a single World Cup edition with 648 runs, just 25 runs behind the highest scorer, Sachin Tendulkar.
Shastri Rubbishes Rumours
"Listen, I have been around the dressing room for the last five years. I have seen how the boys have played and how they have complimented the team and know their work ethics. I feel it is absolute nonsense. If that was the case why would Rohit get five hundreds in the World Cup? Why would Virat do what he is doing? How would they have partnerships together?" Shastri stated. Ravi Shastri, who was recently re-elected as the head coach of the Indian cricket team also said that difference of opionion cannot be constructed as conflict. "In a side when you have 15 players there will always be times when there will be opinions that will be different. That is what is needed," he added.
READ | Netizens ask Virat Kohli 'Where is Rohit Sharma?' in his Team India 'squad not a squad' photo
Rohit-Kohli Rift Rumours Post World Cup
Earlier, after the Indian team was knocked out of the ICC World Cup - 2019, rumours of an alleged rift between the Indian skipper and his ODI deputy had emerged with claims that Rohit and Kohli are not seeing eye to eye. However, the rumours were quashed away by Captain Kohli before the team's departure to the US to play 3 T20Is against West Indies. Kohli had called the alleged reports as 'feeding off lies' and said that, "We are creating fantasies and scenarios in our head and want to accept that this is the truth." The following day, India's star opener Rohit Sharma also baffled the reports through his tweet.
17:05 IST, September 10th 2019