‘Blown out of proportion’ – Former Indian selector Salil Ankola plays down talks of rift between Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir

Indian cricket has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the last few days. Rohit Sharma according to Jasprit Bumrah during the toss at the SCG had ‘opted’ to rest for the final game of the series. Former Indian selector Salil Ankola has dismissed reports of any talks of potential clash between coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma. 

Ankola recently was in conversation with IANS where he said “I am not a part of the Indian team selection committee now, but I don't think that's the case. If it was the case, it would have been internally sorted out. There is always hue and cry once Indian cricket team doesn't do well”

The former Indian cricketer and selector also said “But this, it might be blown out of proportion. Most of these guys have played together when Gautam was there, like Virat and Rohit have played with him, or even Surya has played little bit with him. Rest of the team is young”

Salil Ankola asks media to show patience 

During the course of his chat with IANS, Ankola added “Let's wait and watch what exactly the whole thing is - there's a lot of chatter going on about, like Rohit not playing or this and that guy should be dropped”. Rohit’s form prior to the game was one of the biggest topics which ultimately saw him opt out of the final match. 

Salil Ankola finally said “Every other paper comes out with a different story, and even the Australian media is not helping us too much. They come up with their own stories, which has always been the case. With Australian media, it's always at its worst, whether it is against India, England, or any other team."

Former India opener Aakash Chopra had said that the team leaks needed to be addressed for the better of Indian cricket. The 47-year-old said on his YouTube channel “Who is this 'Mr. Fix-it? Something like this is also happening: a senior player is saying he can become the captain as the team situation is not good; they are undergoing a transition, and he is going to play for the next few years. This thing also came out in public. Then you again start asking the questions: What is happening?”

The former India player also said “Please let the series get over. Think whatever you want after the series. I am very, very disappointed. Over a period of time, we will get to know who this 'Mr. Fix-it is. Everyone has started making their guesses. I also have a guess, which I won't tell now, but my guess might be right. The Indian team might go in that direction.”