‘Both will have to understand what is good for the team’ – Saba Karim on reports of rift between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Former India cricketer Saba Karim said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need to keep their team’s well-being as a priority amidst reports of rift between them. Earlier, reports suggested that Virat won’t be taking part in the three-match ODI series in South Africa.

However, a top member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India dismissed the speculations. Karim said that being senior members of the team, the duo needs to shut out outside noises and focus on what’s best for the team.

Saba Karim puts forth his opinions

“I feel in the end both players, especially Virat Kohli at this moment, will have to understand what is good for the team. What Sourav has said or someone else has said, how does that make a difference,” Karim was quoted as saying in India News.

Reports of Rohit’s rift with Virat have been doing the rounds for quite a while now. Before the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli stated that he wasn’t aware of the opener’s injury status. However, Karim mentioned that there shouldn’t be any confusion before the South Africa series since the BCCI has released an official statement on Rohit’s injury.

“This should not happen. Rohit Sharma’s case is different, he has got a hamstring injury and the BCCI has made an official release. So, there is no doubt there. The reports that are coming say that he was practicing at the BKC and he had a hamstring pull, because of which he got ruled out,” he stated.

Karim also was of the opinion that the BCCI should communicate with the players in a proper manner going into the future. “But 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,” Karim added.

India’s tour of South Africa is set to start on January 26 with the opening Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.