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The Ganguly-Kohli saga has divided the cricket fraternity into two parts, some believe Kohli should focus on the South Africa tour instead of pointing fingers while others feel that the board should have handled the captaincy matter in a better way. Meanwhile, former World Cup-winning player and former head coach Madan Lal believes that "the current issue is not a controversy but a matter of opinion."
Lal was reportedly quoted as saying that, "BCCI president must give an explanation after Kohli contradicted him while addressing media, earlier this week. I think this situation should have been handled in a better way because it is not a controversy but a matter of opinion. I don't know what Sourav had said to Virat so I don't want to comment on that."
Adding further, the former head coach said that, "In order to end an issue, Ganguly must release a statement or address the media, else the matter will keep brewing speculating rumors. We need to be focused on the South Africa tour right now as it is an important game for us." However, Madan Lal also agreed with former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who slammed Kohli for bringing the matter into public domain and suggested him to focus on Test series. "Gavaskar is correct with his point. Virat should clear all his issues with the management. I would say that the selectors should have handled the situation better. It is the duty of selectors to look after and stop these controversies. I am not sure if the selectors spoke to Virat before taking the decision," he added.
KL Rahul to be vice-captain for Test series against South Africa
Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will be the Team India vice-captain for the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. The development was conformed by a top BCCI official who stated, "Yes, with Rohit missing, KL Rahul would be the vice-captain." Team India have already begun preparing for the series, starting on 26th December.
Notably, regular Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the series owing to a hamstring injury. Rohit, along with Ravindra Jadeja is spending time at National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, in order to regain fitness.