Media interaction cut short by BCCI to avoid questions on Kohli-Kumble fiasco

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ensured that the media interaction of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri was cut short. The Indian team is all set to tour Sri Lanka for a 3-match Test series. Prior to their departure, the coach and the skipper were scheduled to address the media. The BCCI had planned a 15-minute media interaction on Wednesday.

However, the board officials later cut it down to just 10 minutes. There were several hands that went up during the interaction to ask the questions. However, many did not get a chance. The reason for cutting short the media briefing remains unknown. But, going by the logical sentiments, the BCCI was keen on shielding the Indian skipper Virat Kohli from the questions that were bound to come his way in relation to the recent fallout between him and Anil Kumble.

The former Indian coach, Anil Kumble, had made an unceremonious exit as the coach of the Indian team. Skipper Virat Kohli had rubbished the rumors about an internal rift being there between him and Kumble. But, in a note addressed to the media, Kumble directly cited that the captain had issues with his style of working.

When Kohli was asked a question on his opinion about getting a support staff of his choice, the Indian captain responded in affirmation. He pointed out that it is necessary to have a good understanding with the people one works with. “I think understanding and communication is something that works in every walk of life and the dressing room environment is nothing different,” Virat Kohli noted.

Shastri speaks on the same lines

The new head coach, Ravi Shastri, was also asked the same question. He also noted that the communication with the support staff is very important. Also, he conceded that his aim as the coach is clear. He is keen on letting the team perform to their best abilities.

“I will answer that same question wearing two hats and I promise you there is no conflict of interest here. One as a player and as a former captain, when you play the game you want your mind to be clear. You want to be able to focus inwards without a care in the world for anything on the outside and that happens with good communication with the support staff,” said Ravi Shastri.

“Now, I will go on the other side as the head coach. My job is to do exactly that for every player, to put him in a frame of mind only about his role; he is thinking about the team that he is playing for and of course the opposition, which we always respect. That is his job, period,” the Indian coach added further.