Virat Kohli, the captain of Team India, and Anushka Sharma, a Bollywood actress, were arguably one of India's most powerful couples. Kohli and Anushka are presently in the United Kingdom, where India is preparing to face New Zealand in the maiden World Test Championship Final, which begins on Friday in Southampton (June 18).
The last time the couple, popularly known as ‘Virushka,' visited the United Kingdom was in 2019 when India competed in the 50-over World Cup. When former wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer claimed that a selector had served her tea during the competition, Anushka's name was dragged into a controversy.
The Bollywood star has previously reacted to all of the accusations directed at her and clarified her view on the matter. Recalling earlier controversies in which Anushka was blamed for Kohli's poor form in 2014, she stated that she will not let anyone to use her name to stir up controversy.
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“If you have a comment on the selection committee and their qualifications please do so as it’s your opinion but do not drag me into it to substantiate your claim or sensationalise your opinion. I refuse to allow anyone from using my name in such conversations”.
MSK Prasad had to deal with these challenges on a daily basis throughout his term as chief selector. During his time as the Indian cricket team's head selector, he has also responded to controversies. Prasad was criticised not just for his player selections, but also for having Anushka Sharma, the wife of Team India captain Virat Kohli, present during the ODI World Cup matches.
Prasad said in a recent interview with a cricket website that the selectors were unnecessarily dragged into the issue of serving coffee.
“When Team India beat Australia in a Test series at home in the absence of great players, no one hailed the selection. To us, it makes no difference. Because our efforts were recognised and respected by the team's management.
This is something we can live with. Regardless of what others say, the team members are aware of the job we've done. Bharat Arun, Team India's bowling coach, and Paras Mhambrey are well aware of this,” Prasad explained.