Kohli, Kumble are responsible cricketers, they know what they are doing: Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly recently voiced his opinion over the ongoing speculated rift between team India skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Anil Kumble. The last few days has seen reports surfacing the media about the internal tussle between the two main heads. Whether the reports are true or not, it remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Ganguly had a very legit take on this case.

Back in the timeline in 2005, Sourav Ganguly found himself in a similar spot of bother. He was at the loggerheads with the then India coach Greg Chappell. Things were sour between him and Chappell and an ugly spell had unfolded back then. Now, Ganguly feels that Kohli and Kumble are responsible gentlemen. They know what they are doing and will deal with the problem with ease.

He noted that there is uncertainty over the fact that the tussle will end up hampering the team’s performances. He believes that players are professionals and will look at the issue that way. He added that he was expected to be talking to both of them but is yet to find time for the same. He cited the example of how Christiano Ronaldo is in controversies every now and then but delivers on the field.

“Just deal with it. You’re a name, you’re captain of India, you’re coach of India, you’ll have to deal with this. Just keep quiet and play the game. I don’t know (if it’s affecting the players). Whether there is uncertainty or not, I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see. All of us can talk. But there are two exceptional cricketers: Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble. They’re responsible cricketers. They know what they’re doing,” quoted Sourav Ganguly.

“I’ve been at the ground since 8.00 am. I’m supposed to have spoken to players, spoken to Virat Kohli. I’ve not done it one bit, and neither am I keen to. Everybody faces controversy. Just deal with it and go on. You should not worry about it. Professionals find a way. Look at (Cristiano) Ronaldo. He’s in controversies every week but he comes and takes Real Madrid to the Champions League final,” he added further.

On India-Pakistan clash

Talking about India’s chances and their first game against Pakistan, Sourav Ganguly conceded that the Indian team has had better time against Pakistan in the recent years. The pressure will surely be there but the players will deal with it.

“India are a good side. In the last 15 years, they’ve had the better of Pakistan. Like see, Australia playing New Zealand is probably a bigger game. It’s the quality of the teams. Pressures are there, but players get used to that pressure once they keep playing every day. They just find a way to succeed,” he conceded.