Mumbai: Denying any rift between him and Rohit Sharma, which have been making rounds after the team returned from England following their semi-final loss to new Zealand in the World Cup, Indian team captain Virat Kohli said that it was ridiculous to read such stuff that comes out in media.
"In my opinion it's baffling to be honest. It's absolutely ridiculous to read such stuff that comes out. I have been to a few public events and the sentiment is 'aap log kya khele. We are feeding off lies. We are overlooking facts. We are turning a blind eye to all the good things that has happened. I have seen this for too long now. Bringing personal lives into the picture is too disrespectful after a moment. There is nothing between me and Rohit," Kohli said.
"If the team atmosphere wouldn't have been good then we wouldn't have succeeded," Kohli said.
Talking about India's tour to West Indies, Kohli said that West Indies has always been a a great place to play cricket. "We all enjoy playing cricket there. I am particularly excited about the first three T20s as some new players have been inducted into the squad. It will be an exciting opportunity for all the guys who are stepping in for the first time," he said.
Praising Ajinkya Rahane for the value he brings in to the Indian team, Kohli said, "Jinx (Ajinkya Rahane) has been a solid player for us throughout. He is one of the most sorted guys. he is really composed and reads the game well. he is a priceless fielder. We all have seen the impact he can make in Test cricket. Under press he has performed really well. We are not at all worried about his form."
Terming ICC Test Championship to be a great thing that has happened to the longer format of the game, the Indian team captain said, " We all were looking forward to something like this. Many of us felt that after some big tours, one or a couple of Tests in between were not apt at that moment. But with incentive attached to the longer format of the game, now every match will be more intense. It will be challenging and more exciting now. With ICC Test Championship, Test cricket will get a boost."
