Kohli: We all respect Kumble’s decision

India captain Virat Kohli says he respects Anil Kumble as a cricketer and his decision to step down as national team coach but will not speak out of the dressing room.

Kumble stepped down as India coach after the Champions Trophy defeat to Pakistan with reports emerging of a rift between the former leg-spinner and Kohli.

It was also suggested that the players did not enjoy Kumble’s man-management style but Kohli insisted that he will not speak about the events leading up to coach’s resignation.

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Kumble let it be known that he quit because the BCCI informed him that the skipper had “reservations” about his management style.

India are currently in the Caribbean to play a limited-overs against hosts West Indies, with the first ODI set for Friday.

Kohli told reporters: “Anil bhai has expressed his views and taken a decision to step out. We all respect that decision. It is something that has happened right after the tournament (Champions Trophy).

“I’ve had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy… We have created a culture over the last three-four years that whatever happens in the change room, we’ve tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout.

“That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount. I’ve always respected that and we have continued to maintain that as well.

“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.”