Former India selector Sarandeep Singh expresses shock over Kohli's statements

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh said that Virat Kohli's press conference ahead of the team's departure to South Africa left him shocked. 

Kohli spoke for the first time since being shunned as India's One-Day International (ODI) captain, cleared the air about several matters including his reported sour relationship with new skipper Rohit Sharma.

"Whatever was said about the communication that happened during the decision that was made was inaccurate. I was contacted one and a half hours before the selection meeting on the 8th for the Test series," Kohli had said in the press conference. 

"And there was no prior communication with me at all since I announced the T20 captaincy decision up till the 8th. The chief selector discussed with me the Test team to which we both agreed, and before ending the call, I was told that the five selectors have decided that I will not be the ODI captain. To which I replied, 'ok fine'. Later in the selection call afterwards, we chatted about it briefly and that's what happened. There was no communication prior to that at all," Kohli further revealed.

Reacting to Kohli's statements, Sarandeep in a chat with ANI said, "It is the duty of the selection committee to select the players and appoint the captain. BCCI does not play any role in the selection process. The statements given by Virat in the press conference today were a bit shocking. Things shouldn't have gone wrong the way they did," Sarandeep said.

"Personally, I feel that there should not be two captains in white-ball cricket. The things could have been handled in a more professional manner and Virat should have been informed earlier. All I want is that everything should be sorted because this can cause harm to Indian cricket," he added.

The former off-spinner dismissed reports of rift between Rohit and Kohli calling it a myth.

"Rohit and Virat both are mature players and captains. They have never raised any questions against each other and both of them know how to tackle such situations. Even if they would not be such good friends, they would still play for the country. Both the players have won so many matches for India and their combination is great," said Sarandeep Singh.

India and South Africa will fight it out in three Tests and as many ODIs, starting December 26.