No rift in team India, says skipper Virat Kohli on reports of differences between him and Rohit

After suffering a 18-run defeat against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2019, Virat Kohli's men are all set for a full bilateral series against West Indies which is scheduled to start on August 3. The Team India will play three T20 International followed by as many ODIs. The series will also witness couple of Test matches which eventually will kick start India's campaign of World Test Championship. On Monday, in the pre-departure press conference held in Mumbai, the Indian skipper Virat Kohli spoke about the team environment, youngsters who have made it to the team, and other pivotal questions. 

The most important of them all was his equation with vice-captain Rohit Sharma. Before the start of the press conference, it was believed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not in the best space and the speculation even stated that the latter has unfollowed Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma after World Cup exit. Addressing this question, Virat Kohli said that there is no rift in the team as a whole and his terms with Rohit Sharma are well there. He further said that if there is something which affects him, it comes on his face and it becomes difficult for the 30-year-old to hide. 

He said, "We've had no issues. If I don't like somebody, it shows on my face: Kohli on equation with Rohit Sharma. In my opinion it's baffling, ridiculous to read such stuff, we're feeding lies: Kohli on reported rift with him." 

Speaking about the team structure, Kohli believes it's an opportunity to grab for the players who are coming into the setup for the first time. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named some fresh faces in the shortest format of the game and the likes of Rahul Chahar and Deepak Chahar are likely to be tested in three T20 Internationals. 

"It is an exciting opportunity for those stepping in for the first time", added Virat Kohli.

The likes of Manish Pandey, Khaleel Ahmed, and Shreyas Iyer have been recalled into the limited over squad and will look to stamp their place into the side. 

Here's the Tweet: 

It is baffling to read (reports of an alleged rift). We are feeding off lies, overlooking facts & turning a blind eye to all the good things that have happened. It is disrespectful: @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/gl9oPm8veE

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 29, 2019

HIGHLIGHTS

• Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play full series against West Indies. 
• The series against West Indies is scheduled to start on August 3. 
• Shreyas Iyer, Pandey, Ahmed are recalled to the limited over squad.