Virat Kohli on Anil Kumble stepping down as head coach: Sanctity of dressing room should be maintained

A lot has been spoken about the ongoing rift between former head coach Anil Kumble and Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Former Indian cricketers lashed out on Kohli s behaviour towards Kumble and him being the reason behind the latter's stepping down. But the most-awaited response that everyone were vouching for is Kohli himself. In a pre-match conference ahead of the West Indies tour, Kohli ended all the speculations and asserted that sanctity of the dressing room should have been taken into consideration. Kumble had posted a long thank you message on his Twitter account making it clear about the conflicts that Kohli and he were facing. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: WI vs IND, 1st ODI

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The speculations of their rift between came into focus during ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Speaking further on their rift, Kohli said, Obviously Anil-bhai has expressed his views and he has taken a decision to step out and we will respect that decision. It's something that has happened right after the tournament. He also respected Kumble s opinion but felt that certain matters are sacred, One thing for sure is that I have had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy. We have created a culture over the last 3-4 years that whatever happens in the change room, we have tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout. That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount.

Kohli was also asked about Kumble s style of coaching, Kohli mentioned that he respects him as a player, I have total respect for him as a cricketer and what he has achieved for the nation. All the years that he has played. There's no taking away that aspect of him at all. And we all respect him totally, concluded Kohli. Reports suggested that Kohli had tweeted his year-old tweet where he welcomed Kumble on joining as the head coach.

India will take on West Indies in the first ODI at Port of Spain on Friday.