Sourav Ganguly thinks things are being blown out of proportion in the Kohli-Kumble rift

06/03/2017

Sourav Ganguly, who was reportedly going to address the alleged rift between Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli, thinks that things got blown out of proportion. Sourav Ganguly, along with Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman will take a decision on the appointment of the Head Coach after Kumble's tenure ends.

Ganguly has had the experience of not being on the same page as the Head coach Greg Chappell, in 2007. This makes his opinion important for Virat Kohli considering he can relate to the on-going situation in the dressing room which is very similar to what Ganguly faced as captain. While the exact reason for discontent between the captain and the coach is not clear, Ganguly believes that such controversies and differences of opinion happen on a daily basis in sports when one has the responsibility of leading a side.

"Things tend to get blown out of proportion. You are a big name. You are India captain. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo. Every week there is a controversy but he took Real Madrid to the Champions League final. Professionals find a way to do it,” TOI quoted Ganguly as saying.

Having gone through a similar situation, the former skipper knows how the matter should be dealt with. His role in the Cricket Advisory Committee also means that he is going to have a say in what happens to the position that will be vacant after Kumble’s tenure ends.

Ganguly said to TOI, "These are two exceptional cricketers. You need to hear from the right people about any differences, and whether there is anything at all. Right now you're in the middle of the Champions Trophy, you're playing against Pakistan. You cannot even think about these things.”

However, he denied that he has any role in resolving the conflict so far and rubbished rumours about him personally meeting the Indian players in London to know their feedback on Kumble.

"I have been here (at Edgbaston) on commentary duty since 8 am. How will I go to the team hotel? I don't need to talk to anyone,” he concluded.