He came, he spoke, and he put an end to all the speculations or rumours.
Virat Kohli, on Wednesday, addressed the media ahead of Team India’s upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled to begin from December 26. The press conference that we all were waiting for, and why not after whatever was said and published in the last couple of weeks.
Kohli, as expected, answered the fieriest questions in Indian cricket recently. He started with the South Africa tour, confirming his availability for ODIs. Notably, a couple of days ago, some reports suggested that Virat Kohli has asked BCCI for a break and will not be available for ODIs against South Africa, which Kohli brushed off by confirming his availability.
“I was & I am available for selection all this time. You should not be asking me these questions, you should ask those who are writing these stories and sources. All these people who are writing are not credible. I was always keen to play ODIs,” Kohli added.
It was just the start as the main picture was yet to get a screen. Speaking further in the conference, Kohli dismissed Sourav Ganguly’s statement wherein the Board President mentioned that he had personally requested Virat Kohli to not step down as the T20 captain.
At the same time, the former ODI and T20I captain of team India revealed that the BCCI never asked him to reconsider quitting T20 leadership as claimed by the Board and his removal from ODI captaincy happened 90 minutes before the team’s selection for the upcoming South Africa tour.
“When I approached the BCCI about the T20 captaincy, it was received well by them and I was not told to not leave the T20 captaincy. I was contacted 1.5 hours before the selection committee meet. The chief selector discussed the Test team. Before ending the call the selectors told me I won’t be ODI captain and I was fine. There was no prior communication.”
Following the rumours that Kohli wanted to take a break after the 3-match Test series to celebrate her daughter’s first birthday, reports appeared of an alleged ‘rift’ between Kohli and Rohit. And like every time, Kohli quashed the rumours stating that he’s tired of clarifying this again and again.
“Rohit is a very able captain and we have seen it in the IPL as well as for India. [Rahul] Dravid is also very valuable. Both of them will have my absolute support. There is no problem between me and Rohit. I have been clarifying for the last two and a half years or so. I’m really tired.”
Following Virat Kohli’s press conference and revelations, Twitter came in support of former India’s limited-overs captain and appreciated him for speaking his heart out. Here are a few reactions.
Twitter Reactions:
If what Virat Kohli is saying is right BCCI should introspect. This is no way to treat a legend of the game. He may be a bad captain but he is one of the finest batsman of Indian cricket.
BCCI: "It's not wise to have two different white ball captains." also BCCI: *has two different white ball captains in Indian cricket women's team.* Harmanpreet (in t20Is) & Mithali (in ODIs)
Ganguly & Jay Shah's BCCI reeks of sheer hypocrisy and dirty politics !!
Whatever Kohli has said in the PC today speaks of what kind of person and a professional he is. He isn't one who would lick the boots of an employer. He will take the sacking, but will never stoop down to their level.
CHAMPION on & off the field! Proud of you @imVkohli!
Look.. what we did with this Boy, who was full of passion & aggression, some conspiracies killing his confidence & our belief in him. Feeling sad&angry the way we r treating him. Remember, Virat is not a player, He is the Cricket. And for the sake of cricket RESPECT VIRAT KOHLI https://t.co/q1skaYfoSk
It exactly turned out to be as I said…Virat is available for ODI’s and never asked for Rest…I have no sources…Just my journalistic experience was telling me this is not right… Grow Up sources and stop maligning the Star Player @imVkohli@BCCI
What a guy. What a pc, class one. Top top leader, calling out that liar who is in the top , calling out that guy's pr sources. Respect man always with you @imVkohli ❤️
Well done, Virat Kohli. Made everything clear to the public about the availability of ODI, stepping down as T20 Captain and what happened with the ODI captaincy. It's crystal and clear to everyone.
Respect for Virat Kohli increased manifolds after today's P. C. The way he exposed Dada Ganguly,greedy journalists and BCCI was a GOAT performance off the field. Well done King Kohli.Kohli 2.0 for next 5-6 years with Bat.
Virat Kohli said, "I wasn't told to not leave the T20i captaincy". Every cricket lover to BCCI – Ganguly + Jay shah + Ambani + Dravid = Rohit Captain / Kholi sacked #Kohlipic.twitter.com/Yxr29xq9bq
Fantastic press conference by Virat Kohli, he ended all the sources and speculations, well done, King. He should be celebrated not degraded. King Kohli 👑.
First did the dance himself, then attended the PC, and now making everyone (journalists, mouth pieces, sources, BCCI officials, leadership etc) dance. https://t.co/SYYdMMC8t3
