How the cricketing fraternity has reacted to alleged Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma rift

Ever since Virat Kohli was replaced as one-day captain by Rohit Sharma, rumors have been floating thick and fast of an alleged rift between the two.

Questions have been raised about the timing of Sharma’s hamstring injury, which came just before the team’s departure for South Africa for the Test series. Kohli will lead the team in the three-match contest.

There have also been conflicting reports over Kohli’s availability for the one-day leg of the South Africa series. One set of reports claimed the former ODI skipper would be skipping the three one-dayers.

However, others quoted BCCI officials and reported that Kohli will be available for both Tests and ODIs. A few others have ‘confirmed’ a rift between the two captains, quoting BCCI sources.

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What cricket experts have to say about alleged Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma rift

In the wake of the Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma saga making headlines, we take a peek at what some cricketers-turned-experts have to say on the burning issue.

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#1 Azhar questions timing of Kohli’s ‘break’

Team India’s Test captain Virat Kohli. Pic: Getty Images

According to former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, the timing of Kohli’s request for a break was questionable. He went to the extent of stating that this substantiates speculation about the rift. In a tweet, Azhar wrote:

"Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the upcoming test. There is no harm in taking a break but the timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation about the rift. Neither will be giving up the other form of cricket."

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal, later, clarified to Times Now that Kohli had requested for a break but the same had nothing to do with him being replaced as ODI captain.

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#2 Unfair to point fingers at Rohit, Kohli: Gavaskar

Rohit Sharma (left) and Virat Kohli. Pic: Getty Images

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged fans and cricket experts not to jump to any conclusions. He said that unless both Kohli and Sharma come out and say something, it would be unfair to point fingers. He also requested Azhar to share details if he had any inside information on the matter.

Gavaskar told India Today:

"The question is, 'is there anything simmering at all (between Kohli and Rohit)?' Unless both the players come out with something, we should not jump to conclusions. Yes, Azharuddin has said something but if he has got some inside information about what has happened then he should be coming out and telling us what happened."

The cricketing legend added:

"Till then, I will give the benefit of the doubt to both the players. Because both have served Indian cricket brilliantly and I don't think it is fair at all for any one of us, without having exact information, to be pointing fingers at either of them.”

Incidentally, Kohli and Sharma haven’t played together since the T20 World Cup 2021. While Kohli was rested for the T20Is against New Zealand at home, Sharma was not part of the subsequent Test matches.

#3 “If Rohit and Kohli are not playing together, team will suffer” - Kirti Azad

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the 2019 World Cup clash against Pakistan. Pic: Getty Images

According to former cricketer Kirti Azad, if rumors of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not wanting to play together are true, the team as well as the two star cricketers will suffer. Speaking to ANI, Azad, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, said:

"If Rohit Sharma and Kohli are not playing together then the team will suffer later, they will themselves suffer first. One player will replace another. No one is indispensable. Many greats have come and gone. Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly. So, they will suffer first if they do not play in each other's captaincy."

On allegations of Sharma “opting out” of Tests and Kohli wanting to skip South Africa ODIs, Azad added:

"…The board must find out where the problem is, if at all there is any, rather than its member tweeting that there might be a rift in the side. It is not good for the morale of the side."

The India-South Africa Test series kicks off with the Boxing Day Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Meanwhile, the first ODI of the three-match series will be played on January 19 in Paarl.

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#4 “Both players will have to understand what is good for the team” - Saba Karim

Rohit Sharma led the Indian team during the T20Is against New Zealand. Pic: Getty Images

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has opined that it is important for both Kohli and Sharma to understand what is best for the team. That is all that matters. In a discussion on India News, he said:

"I feel in the end both players, especially Virat Kohli at this moment, will have to understand what is good for the team."

On Kohli asking for a break, Karim responded that it was up to the BCCI to decide whether or not to grant him the same. He, hower, urged the cricket board to keep the communication channel with players open. Karim added:

"The reports that are coming about Virat, that he has asked permission from the BCCI. In the end, I feel it depends on the BCCI if they give him the permission or not. The communication channel with the players should always remain open, whether it is from the BCCI, team management or selectors."

Interestingly, Kohli’s decision to take a paternity break during the 2020-21 Australia series snowballed into huge controversy, though the skipper had informed the board in advance. It did not help that India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, the first Test of the series, in which Kohli led the team.

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#5 “It could just be a coincidence” - Salman Butt

Virat Kohli celebrates a wicket with teammates during the T20 World Cup. Pic: Getty Images

According to former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, the timing of Sharma’s injury and Kohli’s break request could be nothing more than a coincidence. However, he admitted that people would ask questions. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Butt said:

"Questions would be raised on what is happening. Not everybody would take the reason that’s coming out, that he (Kohli) wants to be with family. I really can’t stay much about it and don’t want to speculate. It could just be a coincidence that Rohit Sharma will be unavailable for the Test matches in South Africa and Kohli (reportedly) for the one-dayers. Having said that, if this carries on, we would soon come to know what’s going on."

Meanwhile, Kohli is on the verge of a big landmark. The third Test of the series in South Africa, beginning on January 11 in Cape Town, will be his 100th (assuming he plays the first two Tests). Kohli’s daughter Vamika will also turn one on the first day of the Cape Town Test.