BCCI cuts media interaction to shield Kohli from Kumble questions

MUMBAI: The BCCI made it clear on Wednesday it wants to quickly get over the AnilKumble controversy.

The first official media interaction of skipper Virat Kohli and new coach Ravi Shastri together was to be for 15 minutes, but was cut for no apparent reason.

Many hands went up to get a chance to ask questions, but the opportunity never arrived for most.

The abrupt end to the press conference indicated that BCCI wanted to avoid Kohli having to field any question on coach Kumble’s unceremonious exit.

Kohli had initially rubbished reports of a rift between Kumble and the Indian team, saying during the ICC Champions Trophy that there were “no problems” between him and Kumble, and that the reports were just “rum ours” created by the media.

While the team left for the West Indies from London, Kumble stayed back and then announced he was not seeking an extension.

When Kohli was asked about getting his choice of coach and support staff, he said: “Understanding and communication is something that works in every walk of life. The dressing room environment is no different.”

Shastri said: “I will answer that same question wearing two hats... One as a player and as a former captain, when you play the game you want your mind to be clear. You want to be able to focus inwards without a care in the world for anything on the outside.”