Things get blown out of proportion: Sourav Ganguly on Kohli-Kumble rift

BIRMINGHAM: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly will know exactly how Virat Kohli is feeling. Back in the day, Ganguly himself was embroiled in a now-etched-in-history 'difference of opinion' with coach Greg Chappell.

Ganguly, here on commentary duty, told TOI on Friday that any talk of differences between the two lead characters in Indian cricket should not come in the way of on-field performance. He also suggested dealing with controversies was de rigueur in professional sport.

Asked to what extent such controversies affected cricketers negatively, Ganguly said, "These are two exceptional cricketers. You need to hear from the right people about any differences, and whether there is anything at all. Right now you're in the middle of the Champions Trophy, you're playing against Pakistan. You cannot even think about these things."

So is it difficult as captain in such circumstances to focus on the little details instead of the big picture? "I have faced many controversies in life. First off, don't worry about it," said Sourav. "Things tend to get blown out of proportion. You are a big name. You are India captain. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo. Every week there is a controversy but he took Real Madrid to the Champions League final. Professionals find a way to do it." Ganguly, as a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee, is caught up right in the middle of Indian cricket's present impasse. He, along with Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, picked Kumble just last season. Now, he is in the unenviable position of having to take a rethink.

With rumours flying thick and fast about the extent of his current involvement, and reports suggesting he had met the team on Friday morning to get feedback on Kumble's contribution as coach, Ganguly chose to clear the air. "All false," he said. "I have been here (at Edgbaston) on commentary duty since 8 am. How will I go to the team hotel? I don't need to talk to anyone."