BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal speaking exclusively to Times Now has confirmed that there is no friction or rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rohit has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa. Virat, on the other hand, has said that he will skip the ODI series against South Africa for the birthday of her daughter Vamika. 

There are also reports that both players do not want to play under each other’s captaincy. On Tuesday, numerous media reports claimed that Virat Kohli would be skipping the one-day series in South Africa. His statement highlighted speculations of rift once again.

Speaking to Times Now, Dhumal said that Virat Kohli’s initial decision to not play one-dayers in South Africa had nothing to do with the change in captaincy. In the process, he denied reports of any rift between the two senior cricketers.

Virat Kohli Wants To Skip The ODIs Since He Wanted A Break: Arun Dhumal

#Exclusive | 'No friction between Virat & Rohit', says BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal.#ViratKohli #RohitSharma

(Visuals Courtesy: BCCI) pic.twitter.com/FcZw31bWax

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 14, 2021

“To my understanding, before any decision was taken with regards to captaincy, it was decided that he (Kohli) will be going (to South Africa) for the Test matches only, not for the ODIs. He was wanting it that way because he needed a break” Dhumal said. 

“Rohit Sharma is not playing because of a physio thing. It is a medical issue. This has nothing to do with friction; there is no friction (between Kohli and Rohit). Physios have ruled him out due to a hamstring injury. It’s not like he has taken a call” he further added. 

Ther BCCI meanwhile has asked Virat Kohli to reconsider his decision of skipping the ODI series. He will be addressing a press conference later today where he is expected to clear the air regarding the same. 

“BCCI has asked Virat Kohli to reconsider his decision of not playing in ODI series vs SA ahead of his PC today. BCCI, while leaving the final decision to him, has asked Virat to put an end to this furore surrounding his participation,” sources told Times Now.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is expected to get fit by the time the ODI series starts. The first two ODIs will be played at Paarl on January 19 and 21. The third and final game will be played in Cape Town on January 23.

---