Before Kohli's press conference, there were various reports suggesting that the talismanic right-hander may not to be available for the ODI series in South Africa. Kohli, however, clarified that he was always available for selection.
“I was slightly surprised. I was reading a line that truth can be stranger than fiction, that's exactly how it has happened. I also read Azharuddin's tweet but Virat Kohli said he never asked for leave, the news had come that he had asked for leave even before Rohit Sharma was named the captain. I mean this is a communication breakdown. Azharuddin is also a BCCI official (He is the president HPCA)” Chopra added.
The former opener added that the ODI captaincy thing could have been communicated in a better way.
“The second thing is the ODI captaincy, which actually left a sour taste in the mouth. When Kohli had released his statement, he had said that he is quitting the T20I captaincy after T20 World Cup but would want to continue as Test and ODI skipper. Captaincy of Indian cricket is not a right but a privilege. You cannot take a privilege for granted, that it is your right.”
“But when you are talking about one of the most successful captains of your country and you want to replace him as captain, which is absolutely fine, but it is necessary to talk. This is not a rule but maybe just basic courtesy,” Chopra concluded.
India are slated to play three Tests and as many ODIs in South Africa. The tour begins with the Boxing Day Test on December 26.