Speculations related to off the field developments are not in my control: Virat Kohli

Rumours were going in the air that it was Virat Kohli's recommendation to appoint former Indian captain Ravi Shastri as the head coach of the national side.

While answering about the recent developments off the field, Kohli said: "I only have the bat in hand. I only focus on doing what is in my hand and that is to play. My job is to bring the best out on the field and make this team do well."

However, Kohli said he believes that off the field developments will not hit the team's performance in Sri Lanka.

"Whatever is happening off the field doesn't bother us. I do not take any added pressure. I started as a player and you only focus on the series that you have to play," the Indian captain said.

After Kumble's resignation, Shastri, who was earlier the team director, was appointed as the head coach.

Since Shastri was earlier attached to the team and that too in major tournaments like the 2015 World Cup, 2016 Asia Cup, Kohli thinks it will not be difficult for the squad to get accustomed with him.

The skipper said: "We should already be in-sync because we have worked before for 3 years. Understanding each other should not be a problem having worked together before."

India will play three test matches, five ODIs and a lone T20 game against Sri Lanka.

The first test match between the two teams will begin on July 26.

Image: Official Facebook page of Virat Kohli.