Will give suggestions for India coach only as team, says Virat Kohli

06/30/2017

Indian skipper Virat Kohli clarified that the suggestions for the appointment of the new coach will only be given if asked by the BCCI and collectively as a team. The 28-year old added that the priority for the team, for the time being, is winning the ongoing series in West Indies.

Anil Kumble resigned from the post of the Indian head coach due to Virat Kohli's hostile stance against the former leg-spinner's policy, and since then everyone including former cricketers and the general audience has formed a general consensus that Kohli's say in the appointment process will definitely influence the decision.

Ravi Shastri recently submitted his application for the post, and knowing the chemistry between Kohli and Shastri during the latter's time as the director of the team many felt Shastri would easily bag the contract. However, Kohli clarified that he does not have the authority to suggest anything in regards to the process from a personal point of view and suggestions will only be made by the team as a whole and only if asked by the BCCI.

"From a personal point of view, I can't pinpoint anything or give any details. We as a team only voice our opinion when asked by the BCCI," Kohli said at the pre-match conference ahead of the third ODI against West Indies on Friday.

"This is a process we always go through and something we respect as a team. It's something that is asked to the team and not in segregation. The same procedure, as and when it takes place, we will give our suggestions to the BCCI," Kohli added.

When the media personnel asked the same question in a different manner, Kohli replied,"Suggestions are given to the BCCI. There is no point in saying anything out in the open because that is for us as a team to convey to the BCCI as when we are asked,"

India is touring West Indies for a 5-match ODI series and lead the tally by 1-0 after their 105-run win against the home side in the second ODI. The Men in Blue will lock horns with the Windies later today in the third ODI of the series and the Delhi batsman explained that the coach selection process is secondary as the team is more focused on winning the series.

"Right now, we have series at hand and this is what we are focussed on. The process is taking place and that is something which is in the control of BCCI. We are not focussed on anything else at the moment.

"Our priority is coming here and winning the series and preparing for the game that lie ahead of us," the India skipper said.

When questioned whether his interactions with media had made him calmer and more equipped to answer the questions, Kohli replied,"It's something that you become immune to after a while. It is something that happened quite a bit in the last few years. At the end of the day, what matters is you what you do on the field. Whether media covers you or not that doesn't matter. I think it is a distraction early on in your career but after a while you don't get distracted by these things.

"You know it's going to be there so you just have to focus on what you need to do rather thinking about there is too much attention on me. It is not in my control, it is not something that I have asked for, it's something that's happening, so I have to sort of take in my stride and focus on my skills."

Will give suggestions for India coach only as team, says Virat Kohli

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