Page 54 - The Indian EYE 122421

SpORTS DECEMBER 24, 2021 | The Indian Eye 54

Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the Third T20 International match between India and New Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav ganguly with Secretary jay Shah
Zealand at Eden gardens in Kolkata (ANI) at the 90th Annual general Meeting at Taj Bengal, in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI)

that I would not be told that I will informed earlier. All I want is that happened. It happened before also match Test series against South Af-
not be ODI captain. Which I replied everything should be sorted because and I feel that a player who has per- rica after a hamstring injury during
‘okay fine’. And in the selection call this can cause harm to Indian crick- formed so much for the country and the practice session. “Will miss his
afterwards, we chatted about it brief- et,” he added. worked so hard, should have a right abilities a lot. He’s proven in En-
ly this is what happened, there was Sarandeep further dismissed to know why he has been removed gland already that he’s really worked
no communication prior to that at rumours regarding the rift between from the team or for a particular po- his Test game out, and the opening
all,” he added. Rohit and Kohli and called them a sition. A player should know where partnership was very important for
When Kohli was asked about the ‘myth’. he is lacking and should improve on us to play in that series. Obvious-
T20I captaincy claim, he was quick that aspect,” Amit Mishra said. ly, with his experience and skill, we
to respond: “When I communicated “rohit and virat both are ma- Talking about the rumours of will miss those qualities,” said Virat
with the BCCI first about quitting the rift between Rohit Sharma and Kohli in a virtual conference.
the T20I captaincy, I told them that ture players and captains. they Virat Kohli, the off-spinner said “That said, it’s an opportunity
this is my point of view, these are have never raised any questions that both the players are profession- for Mayank [Agarwal] and KL [Ra-
the reasons for my decision. It was als and have a positive approach hul] to step up and solidify that start
received quite well. No one took of- against each other and both of towards everything. “These things for us and make sure the good work
fense, no one had any hesitation. No them know how to tackle such are not true. Both the players have is carried on in this series,” he added.
one told me that I should not leave such a positive approach towards Rohit will be missing the upcom-
the T20I captaincy.” situations. even if they would life. They have good communication ing Test series after the hamstring in-
Kohli’s press conference has not be such good friends, they even when they are on-field. They jury and Priyank Panchal was named
now thrown the ball in BCCI’s top- always give their 100 per cent for the as the replacement. Last week, Rohit
brass courts and it needs to be seen would still play for the coun- team. I think Virat has done a great was handed the reins of ODIs along
whether a further explanation is giv- try. Both the players have won job as a captain and now it’s Rohit’s with the T20I formats.
en or the controversy will be allowed turn to showcase his game and prove Talking about Ravindra Jade-
to die down on its own. so many matches for india and himself to be a great player and a ja’s absence due to a forearm injury,
Meanwhile, former Team India their combination is great,” captain,” said the off-spinner. Kohli said that the all-rounder con-
selector Sarandeep Singh on Wednes- Earlier, Virat in a press con- tributes to all three departments and
day said that the appointment of said sarandeep singh. ference dismissed all the rumours the team will try to create the best
Rohit Sharma as the ODI skipper about the rift between him and Ro- combination possible in his absence.
was done by the selection commit- Also, former Indian spinner hit. “There is no rift between me and “Jadeja is a very important play-
tee and the BCCI has no role in it. Amit Mishra feels that there should Rohit Sharma. I have clarified mul- er for us, he contributes to all three
“It is the duty of the selection be transparency between the players tiple times in the last 2.5 years and departments, which is invaluable
committee to select the players and and the management to maintain an now I am tired of clarifying things. overseas, and he will be missed.
appoint the captain. BCCI does not unhindered flow of communication. I can guarantee you that my com- That said, we do have the qual-
play any role in the selection pro- Mishra’s statement came after In- munication will never be to take my ity in the side to be able to create
cess. The statements given by Virat dia’s Test skipper Virat Kohli claimed team down till I am playing cricket. the best combination possible and
in the press conference today were a that no prior communication hap- It is my commitment towards Indi- still be able to win Test matches
bit shocking. Things shouldn’t have pened between him and the selectors an cricket,” said Kohli in the virtual because we’ve created that bench
gone wrong the way they did,” Sa- before he was removed as the captain press conference. strength and environment where
randeep Singh. of the ODI team. The row erupted af- Also, Virat Kohli said Rohit people coming in are seizing oppor-
“Personally, I feel that there ter Rohit Sharma was named India’s Sharma’s absence in the Test series tunities, grabbing it with both hands,
should not be two captains in white- new ODI skipper last week and took against South Africa is a big problem and making sure the team is helped
ball cricket. The things could have the reins from Kohli as India gear up for the Men in Blues as his partner- by their performances. As much as
been handled in a more professional for the South Africa series. ship was an important factor. Rohit we’ll miss him, it won’t be a deciding
manner and Virat should have been “This is not the first time it has was ruled out of the upcoming three- factor,” said Kohli.

www.TheIndianEYE.com