‘No problems with Kumble’

“There are a lot speculations and lot of things being written by people without actually being part of the change room which is quite strange. There are no problems whatsoever,” Kohli was curt while addressing the media.

When the question was rephrased by another scribe about how his journey with Kumble has been through the past year, he answered with an equally deadpan expression. “It’s been really good. The whole journey has been good,” he said. On reported disagreements with Kumble, the skipper made it clear that one should only comment when aware of the situation. 

“Agreements and disagreements happen. I would not comment on things that I am not fully aware of. I would not speculate. I think there is lack of patience right now and nobody admits mistakes. If you (media) write something and it goes wrong, have the heart to admit that you have gone wrong rather than saying that problem has been solved,” Kohli said.

Kohli described the team as a family where disagreements can happen. “It’s normal to have disagreements, even at home, not everybody agrees on everything. It’s human nature. When you don’t know about something completely, don’t spread rumours and speculate, just focus on cricket,” he was terse in his answers.

Kohli said he understands that media has a job to do and he would rather focus on his -- that is playing cricket. 

He didn’t wish to elaborate on why the BCCI invited coaches’ application despite Kumble’s phenomenal record. 

“I don’t understand why there is speculation for a process. I don’t even know, I don’t want to know. In a tournament which is so much in focus, lot of people like to find rumours before the tournament. They are trying to do their job and get their livelihood, we will focus on our livelihood. 

“But one thing that I want to say is that, unless someone is part of something, I don’t think they should speculate.” 

Questioned on how he deals with off-field pressures, Kohli said he likes to switch off when he is on the field.