Media hit pieces on Virat Kohli pushed by the BCCI?

[Aman]

Hearing from Indian fans that a lot of hit pieces are being put out and speculation is it's being done by the BCCI.

Is there any credibility to this Indian fans?

 

[Saurav]

Karma

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

The reports are surely not 100% correct but there are bits and pieces in them which I am quite sure are true.

For example - TOI posted the news of BCCI asking Kohli to step down as captain after t20 WC two days before he actually announced it.

According to me there's something going on between Kohli and BCCI, looks like the BCCI wants to clip Kohli's wings as he has a lot of power in Indian cricket. I am saying this bcoz there are reports that :

1.Bcci is set to approach Kumble for head Coach - which definitely is a move to counter Kohli

2.Bcci sources are 'leaking' just too much info these days, which obviously is a well thought move and not just some random leak which bcci is trying to portray this as.

I personally am quite ok with this considering that it might lead to Kohli's departure as LOI captain.

 

[JattMaula]

Everybody needs a little trim to their wings once in a while. And kaptaan is flying unusually close to ground. Plenty of people ready with scissors.

 

[sharmaji]

Yes, there are reports of rift in the dressing room. Here is some gossip:

1. Apparently Kohli is unapproachable and his poor batting form has made him edgy about his leadership. There was a comment made by Ashwin during the Australia tour when he said that unlike before, the dressing room (in Virat's absence) has a very relaxed, calm and friendly vibe.

2. Players seem to prefer Rohit as he is friendly and understands struggles of players unlike Kohli who is a superstar.

3. Selection issues, especially regarding Ashwin, and lack of support for Kuldeep, Chahal, Umesh, Pant, SKY etc have made a few players feel insecure.

4. BCCI has not been happy with Kohli-Shastri duo for a long time, with the whole Kumble coaching fiasco, Rohit not being selected for Aus tour, lack of ICC trophies, disrespect towards senior players like Gavaskar, Ganguly, Sachin, Laxman etc. But they have been quiet because the team has been delivering in the tests and in bilateral LOIs in general, and Kohli is a global superstar with immense brand value. Now that his form has dipped, BCCI could dare talk to him about abdicating captaincy.

Most of this gossip is from the usual tabloids (including TOI) so there's probably a little of truth and a LOT of exaggeration.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes, there are reports of rift in the dressing room. Here is some gossip:

1. Apparently Kohli is unapproachable and his poor batting form has made him edgy about his leadership. There was a comment made by Ashwin during the Australia tour when he said that unlike before, the dressing room (in Virat's absence) has a very relaxed, calm and friendly vibe.

2. Players seem to prefer Rohit as he is friendly and understands struggles of players unlike Kohli who is a superstar.

3. Selection issues, especially regarding Ashwin, and lack of support for Kuldeep, Chahal, Umesh, Pant, SKY etc have made a few players feel insecure.

4. BCCI has not been happy with Kohli-Shastri duo for a long time, with the whole Kumble coaching fiasco, Rohit not being selected for Aus tour, lack of ICC trophies, disrespect towards senior players like Gavaskar, Ganguly, Sachin, Laxman etc. But they have been quiet because the team has been delivering in the tests and in bilateral LOIs in general, and Kohli is a global superstar with immense brand value. Now that his form has dipped, BCCI could dare talk to him about abdicating captaincy.

Most of this gossip is from the usual tabloids (including TOI) so there's probably a little of truth and a LOT of exaggeration.

Pretty spicy stuff. I think some of the rumors here are somewhat plausible, even if they are likely exaggerated and mixed with outright lies.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Yes, there are reports of rift in the dressing room. Here is some gossip:

1. Apparently Kohli is unapproachable and his poor batting form has made him edgy about his leadership. There was a comment made by Ashwin during the Australia tour when he said that unlike before, the dressing room (in Virat's absence) has a very relaxed, calm and friendly vibe.

2. Players seem to prefer Rohit as he is friendly and understands struggles of players unlike Kohli who is a superstar.

3. Selection issues, especially regarding Ashwin, and lack of support for Kuldeep, Chahal, Umesh, Pant, SKY etc have made a few players feel insecure.

4. BCCI has not been happy with Kohli-Shastri duo for a long time, with the whole Kumble coaching fiasco, Rohit not being selected for Aus tour, lack of ICC trophies, disrespect towards senior players like Gavaskar, Ganguly, Sachin, Laxman etc. But they have been quiet because the team has been delivering in the tests and in bilateral LOIs in general, and Kohli is a global superstar with immense brand value. Now that his form has dipped, BCCI could dare talk to him about abdicating captaincy.

Most of this gossip is from the usual tabloids (including TOI) so there's probably a little of truth and a LOT of exaggeration.

Pant is playing almost all matches in all formats.
Chahal and Kuldeep was given enough matches, may be Kuldeep missed opportunities due to Axar/Sundar.
Umesh is not our front line bowler in any format, he is playing all test series.
SKY debuted under Kohli

Why they are not talking about other successful players like Siraj, Shardul, Axar, Sundar, Nattu and Ishan?
It is not easy to accommodate everyone.


The other highlighted part regarding disrespecting seniors ..LOL

 

[sharmaji]

Yep. Quite spicy by the Indian cricket standard. For the past 10 years or so, ever since Dhoni took over captaincy, there hasn't been any major gossip from the dressing room.

Even this current situation, is being managed behind closed doors and in as diplomatic way as possible. Quite professional BCCI and Indian cricket has become regarding internal matters, which is great. I hope they also improve in terms of financial accountability and in dealing with/influencing ICC and other cricketing boards.

Pretty spicy stuff. I think some of the rumors here are somewhat plausible, even if they are likely exaggerated and mixed with outright lies.

 

[sharmaji]

Pant is playing almost all matches in all formats.
Chahal and Kuldeep was given enough matches, may be Kuldeep missed opportunities due to Axar/Sundar.
Umesh is not our front line bowler in any format, he is playing all test series.
SKY debuted under Kohli

Why they are not talking about other successful players like Siraj, Shardul, Axar, Sundar, Nattu and Ishan?
It is not easy to accommodate everyone.


The other highlighted part regarding disrespecting seniors ..LOL

Not my words, this is from tabloids and Youtube sports channels. I will find links and share them here.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Not my words, this is from tabloids and Youtube sports channels. I will find links and share them here.

I know bhai

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Yes, there are reports of rift in the dressing room. Here is some gossip:

1. Apparently Kohli is unapproachable and his poor batting form has made him edgy about his leadership. There was a comment made by Ashwin during the Australia tour when he said that unlike before, the dressing room (in Virat's absence) has a very relaxed, calm and friendly vibe.

2. Players seem to prefer Rohit as he is friendly and understands struggles of players unlike Kohli who is a superstar.

3. Selection issues, especially regarding Ashwin, and lack of support for Kuldeep, Chahal, Umesh, Pant, SKY etc have made a few players feel insecure.

4. BCCI has not been happy with Kohli-Shastri duo for a long time, with the whole Kumble coaching fiasco, Rohit not being selected for Aus tour, lack of ICC trophies, disrespect towards senior players like Gavaskar, Ganguly, Sachin, Laxman etc. But they have been quiet because the team has been delivering in the tests and in bilateral LOIs in general, and Kohli is a global superstar with immense brand value. Now that his form has dipped, BCCI could dare talk to him about abdicating captaincy.

Most of this gossip is from the usual tabloids (including TOI) so there's probably a little of truth and a LOT of exaggeration.

Lack of support for Pant lol? Which wicketkeeper batsman are they supporting then?

 

[Saurav]

Lack of support for Pant lol? Which wicketkeeper batsman are they supporting then?

Saha before Pant literally smashed the door.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Saha before Pant literally smashed the door.

Saha played only 9 ODIs and 0 T20s. You call this a support?

Samson has played 1 ODI and 10 T20s that too after getting dropped multiple times. Some of these guys don't even get a consistent run in the team lol. And people think there is lack of support for Pant in the team.

 

[Napa]

Umesh is not our front line bowler in any format, he is playing all test series.

Umesh's figures from the CT group match against Pakistan were 7.4-1-30-3. He was then dropped from the final against Pakistan and replaced by Ashwin who went for 10-0-70-0.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...stan-4th-match-group-b-1022353/full-scorecard

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...ndia-vs-pakistan-final-1022375/full-scorecard

This one blunder should have cost Kohli & Shastri their jobs.

 

[Oxfordchamp]

Ganguly and BCCI want Kohli,the batsman to be back to his best and it is the step in the right direction to relieve him of some captaincy pressure..It will be a Win Win for Kohli and India. Kohli, the batsman is the biggest asset and they want to make the most of it.

 

[Slim]

A lot of politics going on in India cricket nowadays.

Mumbai lobby is in full force - Rohit is definitely the next t20I captain but could have been the ODI captain as well imo if Kohli had not pre-empted BCCI by announcing his stepping down on twitter. Smart move by Virat.

BCCI from their end have already sent Dhoni to keep Kohli in check. A weird move but lets see.

BCCI have also started looking desperately for a new coach. Mike Hesson and Mahela have rejected Indian coaching position. Which is why BCCI is reaching back to Kumble, and have even put VVS’s name in the mix. One would think a board with such a big budget shouldnt struggle getting the likes of Flower, Moody to join the indian team.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yep. Quite spicy by the Indian cricket standard. For the past 10 years or so, ever since Dhoni took over captaincy, there hasn't been any major gossip from the dressing room.

Even this current situation, is being managed behind closed doors and in as diplomatic way as possible. Quite professional BCCI and Indian cricket has become regarding internal matters, which is great. I hope they also improve in terms of financial accountability and in dealing with/influencing ICC and other cricketing boards.

I read about this. I had no idea journalists used to wield so much power in Indian cricket. But credit to Dhoni for closing that door. Personally I wouldn't read too much into this. Kohli is still the most powerful cricketer in India and the only way he is ever going out is on his own terms. He's not someone who will be dictated to, and these rumors and gossip columns certainly can't bring him down.

 

[Slim]

Yep. Quite spicy by the Indian cricket standard. For the past 10 years or so, ever since Dhoni took over captaincy, there hasn't been any major gossip from the dressing room.

Even this current situation, is being managed behind closed doors and in as diplomatic way as possible. Quite professional BCCI and Indian cricket has become regarding internal matters, which is great. I hope they also improve in terms of financial accountability and in dealing with/influencing ICC and other cricketing boards.

I read about this. I had no idea journalists used to wield so much power in Indian cricket. But credit to Dhoni for closing that door. Personally I wouldn't read too much into this. Kohli is still the most powerful cricketer in India and the only way he is ever going out is on his own terms. He's not someone who will be dictated to, and these rumors and gossip columns certainly can't bring him down.

Not sure what world you both are living in. This whole episode has been nothing short of unprofessional from the Jay Shah led BCCI. Did you forget they denied Kohli’s t20i captaincy news before he announced it himself. Then after that, lots of leaks started happening from BCCI itself - which were basically hit pieces on Kohli.

Just before a WC, news have started floating of Kumble’s comeback, Kohli wanting to remove Rohit as VC, Kohli having issues with batting coach. Bhai, wake up and smell the coffee. Desis are going to stay desi.

 

[sharmaji]

Before Saha got injured in the Aus tour, Pant wasn't able to find a place in the XI. He was also in and out of the LOI teams with KL keeping wickets. I think it was in reference to this low phase of his, all these rumours of lack of support from TM are coming from.

But post the Aus tour, once Pant cemented his place in the XI, I think he is solely responsible for his poor performance in England.

Lack of support for Pant lol? Which wicketkeeper batsman are they supporting then?

 

[sharmaji]

Ganguly and BCCI want Kohli,the batsman to be back to his best and it is the step in the right direction to relieve him of some captaincy pressure..It will be a Win Win for Kohli and India. Kohli, the batsman is the biggest asset and they want to make the most of it.

India hardly plays T20 Internationals outside of the WC, If they wanted him to have less burden on his shoulders, then Kohli could have been asked to give up IPL captaincy or the ODIs captaincy, even test captaincy. In fact Kohli is bating fine in T20s, its his test batting that is in decline.

 

[sharmaji]

I read about this. I had no idea journalists used to wield so much power in Indian cricket. But credit to Dhoni for closing that door. Personally I wouldn't read too much into this. Kohli is still the most powerful cricketer in India and the only way he is ever going out is on his own terms. He's not someone who will be dictated to, and these rumors and gossip columns certainly can't bring him down.

You're right, but his poor batting form and lack of ICC trophies aren't helping him.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Pant is playing almost all matches in all formats.
Chahal and Kuldeep was given enough matches, may be Kuldeep missed opportunities due to Axar/Sundar.
Umesh is not our front line bowler in any format, he is playing all test series.
SKY debuted under Kohli

Why they are not talking about other successful players like Siraj, Shardul, Axar, Sundar, Nattu and Ishan?
It is not easy to accommodate everyone.


The other highlighted part regarding disrespecting seniors ..LOL

A good take and some valid comments.

However, people will always look for conspiracy and spice in every nook and corner.

The aus series win in the tests , even though jinks was the stand in skipper, the ground work and leg work was done by kohli, that series was his legacy.

The Eng series win is also VK's legacy, he has driven the team upwards with his aggro, confidence, strategies etc.
When he played he left nothing in the shed and gave his 100 pc, even though i donot agree with his pathetic on field behaviour, lets give him that.
Lets take the words of a champion at face value, he wants to step down from the T20 captaincy to concentrate on being more effective in the other formats, lets leave it at that.

 

[unemployedgm]

I guess India is pining for the days of Nayan Mongia and Debasis Mohanty.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Not sure what world you both are living in. This whole episode has been nothing short of unprofessional from the Jay Shah led BCCI. Did you forget they denied Kohli’s t20i captaincy news before he announced it himself. Then after that, lots of leaks started happening from BCCI itself - which were basically hit pieces on Kohli.

Just before a WC, news have started floating of Kumble’s comeback, Kohli wanting to remove Rohit as VC, Kohli having issues with batting coach. Bhai, wake up and smell the coffee. Desis are going to stay desi.

Chill out brother. I'm not defending the BCCI. Simply saying that it will take a heck of a lot more to send Kohli packing.

 

[Slim]

More news coming in. Looks like BCCI is doubling down and have started pushing the narrative that Kohli’s ODI captaincy would be under the scanner and they might relieve him if he fails in T20I WC.

Source: https://www.thenewsminute.com/artic...t-kohli-odi-captaincy-too-say-insiders-155462

 

[Mamoon]

Kohli deserves to lead India in the 2023 World Cup. He deserves to lead India in a home World Cup.

It would be highly disrespectful if BCCI removes him.

There is clearly an anti-Kohli agenda building up in BCCI and it is ridiculous considering what he has done for Indian cricket.

He has transformed the culture of Indian cricket and this is how he is being repaid.

Very disappointing to see.

 

[Slim]

Kohli deserves to lead India in the 2023 World Cup. He deserves to lead India in a home World Cup.

It would be highly disrespectful if BCCI removes him.

There is clearly an anti-Kohli agenda building up in BCCI and it is ridiculous considering what he has done for Indian cricket.

He has transformed the culture of Indian cricket and this is how he is being repaid.

Very disappointing to see.

They are in the process practically jeopardising their upcoming WC campaign. Last time such levels of toxicity happened - they had a world record defeat in a ICC tournament final.

 

[Slim]

Leaks are coming sharp of BCCI doubling down and pushing the narrative of Kohli being relieved of ODI captaincy if he fails in the t20 WC.

 

[Mamoon]

They are in the process practically jeopardising their upcoming WC campaign. Last time such levels of toxicity happened - they had a world record defeat in a ICC tournament final.

I don’t think Rohit has anything to do with this. He is to chill and laidback to get involved in politics. He is not toxic at all.

He is the type of guy who will be very happy to captain the team but will not have any hard feelings or regrets if he doesn’t get the chance.

This seems to be the work of some higher-ups in BCCI who was probably unhappy with how Kohli arm-twisted BCCI into removing Kumble.

However, Kohli was justified in doing that because Shastri has been a wonderful coach. Kohli and Kumble’s vision clearly did not align.

 

[sharmaji]

I completely agree with you. Indian cricket doesn't need this drama. And it's not like it will be a completely different team under Rohit, even though Rohit is quite a laid-back fella.

I don’t think Rohit has anything to do with this. He is to chill and laidback to get involved in politics. He is not toxic at all.

He is the type of guy who will be very happy to captain the team but will not have any hard feelings or regrets if he doesn’t get the chance.

This seems to be the work of some higher-ups in BCCI who was probably unhappy with how Kohli arm-twisted BCCI into removing Kumble.

However, Kohli was justified in doing that because Shastri has been a wonderful coach. Kohli and Kumble’s vision clearly did not align.

 

[Slim]

I don’t think Rohit has anything to do with this. He is to chill and laidback to get involved in politics. He is not toxic at all.

He is the type of guy who will be very happy to captain the team but will not have any hard feelings or regrets if he doesn’t get the chance.

This seems to be the work of some higher-ups in BCCI who was probably unhappy with how Kohli arm-twisted BCCI into removing Kumble.

However, Kohli was justified in doing that because Shastri has been a wonderful coach. Kohli and Kumble’s vision clearly did not align.

One word for BCCI - ungrateful.

Rohit doesnt have to worry much, he has the mumbai lobby on his back which is akin to our karachi lobby. This rings bad for India as this means Rahane wont go too easily now.

Kumble has a headmaster approach, multiple players had issues with him. Similar to Waqar Younis. This whole episode can spell disaster for India.

 

[MP2011]

Kohli deserves to lead India in the 2023 World Cup. He deserves to lead India in a home World Cup.

It would be highly disrespectful if BCCI removes him.

He doesn't deserve anything, least of all leading our team in a home WC! Certainly not after being nothing short of a disaster as a captain in whatever world tourneys we've played under him! The next ODI WC is still good 1.5 years ahead of us. If his form continues to be on a downward spiral as it's been for the last 2 years, it won't be easy for him to save his captaincy in either form of cricket he is currently our captain in!

Even if we win the WT20 (which is highly unlikely as it is) under him, it should not give his ODI captaincy a new lease of life.

So far he has proved to be only a bilateral bully, both as a captain and as a player.

 

[unemployedgm]

One word for BCCI - ungrateful

Rohit doesnt have to worry much, he has the mumbai lobby on his back which is akin to our karachi lobby. This rings bad for India as this means Rahane wont go too easily now.

Kumble has a headmaster approach, multiple players had issues with him. Similar to Waqar Younis. This whole episode can spell disaster for India.

I didn’t realize Pakistan had a Karachi lobby. Yes most of the major media channels are based in Karachi. If you are referring to the journalist than their advocacy for Karachi has failed miserably in the 25 plus years I’ve been observing cricket.

 

[unemployedgm]

I think this thread speaks to the immaturity of the Indian Cricket fan. No one of course is above criticism but the team Kohli built is one of the best all format teams in cricket history. I’m surprised fans can’t see that.

 

[Saurav]

Saha played only 9 ODIs and 0 T20s. You call this a support?

Samson has played 1 ODI and 10 T20s that too after getting dropped multiple times. Some of these guys don't even get a consistent run in the team lol. And people think there is lack of support for Pant in the team.

talking about Tests.

In LOIs, declining Dhoni was blocking his place. Then Rahul was made to keep

 

[JattMaula]

I think this thread speaks to the immaturity of the Indian Cricket fan. No one of course is above criticism but the team Kohli built is one of the best all format teams in cricket history. I’m surprised fans can’t see that.

Kaptaan doesn't own Indian cricket team. He has underachieved as LO captain and his sacking is long overdue.

I hope his sacking is indication that indian cricket has moved on from players and captain overstaying their welcome even if they are a manufactured superstar.

 

[Saurav]

A good take and some valid comments.

However, people will always look for conspiracy and spice in every nook and corner.

The aus series win in the tests , even though jinks was the stand in skipper, the ground work and leg work was done by kohli, that series was his legacy.

The Eng series win is also VK's legacy, he has driven the team upwards with his aggro, confidence, strategies etc.
When he played he left nothing in the shed and gave his 100 pc, even though i donot agree with his pathetic on field behaviour, lets give him that.
Lets take the words of a champion at face value, he wants to step down from the T20 captaincy to concentrate on being more effective in the other formats, lets leave it at that.

We wouldn't have won the Aus series with Kohli as captain. Kohli led to 36 all out before Rahane took over.

 

[MP2011]

Kaptaan doesn't own Indian cricket team. He has underachieved as LO captain and his sacking is long overdue.

I hope his sacking is indication that indian cricket has moved on from players and captain overstaying their welcome even if they are a manufactured superstar.

This! Completely agree with this.

 

[MP2011]

We wouldn't have won the Aus series with Kohli as captain. Kohli led to 36 all out before Rahane took over.

True. He'd have led us to at least a 0-3 defeat in that series.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

We wouldn't have won the Aus series with Kohli as captain. Kohli led to 36 all out before Rahane took over.

I'd still say we were leading in Adelaide game, had that pathetically disasterous session and bombed out.
If that is taken in isolation, then thats is hardly a fair parameter.
Off course, VK is not indispensible and is answerable for bad performance, and am not his fan boy at least not of his cringeworthy on field behaviour.
But give credit where due - he's built up a team that MSD gave up on. his test legacy is right up there.
am commenting more on the conspiracies that get cooked up, give this a rest shall we?
if he wants to retire from T20 captainship - thanks Virat for some fantastic memories, and whilst at u lets get the first bit of ICC silverware under you.

 

[Snow]

Team has won without Kohli, look at Rahane Test Record as Captain. No Losses.

Won the deciding match against OZ at home when chips were down. And won against OZ when Kohli left.

Now top that with selecting best XI without favouring buddies, you will get even better Indian team.

 

[drubwrubnat]

This piece on Telegraph India.

“Kohli is losing control. He has lost respect and some of the players are not liking his attitude. He is no more an inspirational leader and he doesn’t earn the players’ respect. Some of them have reached their limits when it comes to dealing with him,” the source remarked.

“That Kohli failed to play a big innings has also complicated the issue. Recently, one of the coaches offered some suggestions at nets but the captain shot back saying ‘don’t confuse me’. He’s just failed to handle it and it’s showing in his aggressive behaviour.”

https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/thanks-to-virat-kohli-bcci-breathes-easy/cid/1831146

 

[topspin]

Kohli deserves to lead India in the 2023 World Cup. He deserves to lead India in a home World Cup.

It would be highly disrespectful if BCCI removes him.

There is clearly an anti-Kohli agenda building up in BCCI and it is ridiculous considering what he has done for Indian cricket.

He has transformed the culture of Indian cricket and this is how he is being repaid.

Very disappointing to see.

It won't be the be all end all if he isn't captain for the 2023 WC because there are rumour circulating that he might appear on Big Boss instead.

 

[MP2011]

This piece on Telegraph India.

“Kohli is losing control. He has lost respect and some of the players are not liking his attitude. He is no more an inspirational leader and he doesn’t earn the players’ respect. Some of them have reached their limits when it comes to dealing with him,” the source remarked.

“That Kohli failed to play a big innings has also complicated the issue. Recently, one of the coaches offered some suggestions at nets but the captain shot back saying ‘don’t confuse me’. He’s just failed to handle it and it’s showing in his aggressive behaviour.”

https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/thanks-to-virat-kohli-bcci-breathes-easy/cid/1831146

From the same link,

Murmurs that Kohli wanted to keep at least one limited-overs format under him for fear of losing his brand valuehave been shot down by market experts. “Sachin Tendulkar’s endorsements never went down even when he gave up captaincy. The same applies for Virat Kohli. If he gives up ODI captaincy too, it might make a small dent but nothing dramatic,” said Navroze D Dhondy, founder and managing director of Creatigies Communications.

This Dhondy guy forgets that Tendulkar didn't attract endorsements just because he was Indian captain or not Indian captain. He got so many brand endorsements because he was the best player in the world for a considerable length of time, unlike Kohli who had at best hardly 3-4 years at the top. With that, his down to earth personality, being darling of Indians for more than 2 decades, captaincy or no captaincy didn't matter to his brand value.

Unlike Kohli, he didn't let the power that came with being the best in business got to his head.

Till about 2-3 years back when Kohli was going great guns with the bat, these things didn't matter much. However with his harrowing run of form for such a long time, along with his stinking behaviour to boot, getting into a fight with almost everyone, these endorsements may not last for too long!