'Won't let dressing room talks come out in public': Rahul Dravid on Kohli-Ganguly controversy

India head coach Rahul Dravid has refused to speak about the alleged rift between Virat Kohli-Sourav Ganguly. The 48-year-old was addressing the media ahead of the team's three-match Test series against South Africa, starting on Sunday (December 26). Dravid was asked about his view on the recent controversy and if he had any discussions with Virat Kohli. Dravid politely ignored the question and said he won't let the dressing room talks come out in public.

Earlier, before departing for South Africa, the Indian Test skipper vehemently denied claims made by Ganguly. The BCCI President had said he had personally approached Kohli to continue with the T20I captaincy in order to stay as ODI captain. However, the 33-year-old dismissed those claims and said he did not have any discussions on the matter.

"To be honest, that's the role of the selectors and I am not going to get into conversations that I might or might not have had," when asked if he had given his opinion on a change of white ball captaincy.

"It's not the place and the time to be doing that and discussing that. And what internal conversations I have had is certainly not going to come out in the media and I am not going to start telling people what conversations I have had," Dravid said in a polite-yet-firm manner.

The BCCI named Rohit Sharma as the white-ball captain, with Kohli continuing as the Test captain. The right-hand batter has been terrific as the leader in the longest format of the game. He has led India to victories in countries like Australia and England. However, he has not been in good form with the bat of late.

Dravid though backed Kohli to come good and said his passion for the game is second to none. "Virat has played a huge role in that obviously as a player and a leader. He has been fantastic. He is one of those players who loves Test cricket and really wants to compete.

"Hopefully, he has a great series that benefits the team as well," Dravid said when asked how does he see Kohli taking the Test team forward.