Defending champions India start their Champions Trophy campaign against arch rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday 4 June.
During the lead-up to the Champions Trophy the BCCI has been going through the process of selection of new coach as Anil Kumble”s tenure is all set to end after Champions Trophy.
Among those who threw their hats in the ring were Tom Moody, Virender Sehwag, Dodda Ganesh, Richard Pybus and Lalchand Rajput while Anil Kumble”s name was already included.
There were reports of rift in Indian team and that some senior players in the side were unhappy with Anil Kumble”s style of working. Many believed this was the reason why Anil Kumble will not get an extension.
However Captain Virat Kohli sumed it up by saying there is no rift between the team and team is totally focused on Champions Trophy.
“If something put in place as process I don”t see why people are creating so many speculations, it”s been followed last time as well. There are no problems whatsoever. Working with Anil Kumble has been good. The process of selecting a new coach will take its own course. We lack patience and make speculations from far. I don’t focus on things that don’t matter to me. People write wrong things and then do not own up.” Virat Kohli said in a press conference.
Team India Skipper Virat Kohli also said that it has been really good journey with Team India coach Anil Kumble.
“It’s been followed last time as well and I didn’t see any issues created last time. It’s the same process happening after 12 months,” Virat Kohli said.
Talking about preparations for Pakistan game, Virat Kohli said, “We are hundred per cent motivated for the Pakistan game. As a team, Pakistan can surprise you. All you can do is focus on your skills. You should be good enough to handle a cricket ball, no matter whom you play. Have to come out on top. Pakistan can beat anyone on their day. We just have to play good cricket.”
“It’s been a really good. The whole journey has been good. As far as the process is concerned, that is something I don’t need to elaborate sitting here. There are people who can elaborate better,” Virat Kohli added.
New coach is most likely to take over from India”s brief tour to Caribbean later this month which consists of 5 ODIs and 1 T20I.
– by Atharva Apte
