Speaking for the first time, Virat Kohli on Thursday said that he will never reveal dressing-room details, in an apparent reference to the now retired coach Anil Kumble's statement that their partnership had become "untenable".
Kumble stepped down a couple of days back due to differences with the India captain.
Kohli said "he respects" Kumble's decision to quit and that there is highest regard for him as a player.
"Obviously Anil bhai has expressed his views and he has taken a decision to step out and we will respect that decision. It's something that has happened right after the tournament," Kohli said on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies.
While he felt that Kumble is entitled to his opinion, in a roundabout manner, the skipper spoke about how dressing room details are sacred to him, which, at any cost, can't be shared with the public.
"One thing for sure is that I have had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy. We have created a culture over the last 3-4 years that whatever happens in the change room, we have tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout. That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount," Kohli stated.
The skipper said that he and his players respect Kumble's achievements as a player.
He was asked about Kumble's approach while coaching and he stoically maintained his stance.
‘Ajinkya will open in all 5 ODI’s’
With Rohit Sharma rested for the West Indies limited-over series, Kohli said that Ajinkya Rahane will open alongside Shikhar Dhawan in the upcoming five-match ODI series starting on Friday.
Asked about opening combination, Kohli said:"We have Ajinkya who we had as a back-up opener in the Champions Trophy. He will start for sure with Shikhar Dhawan (in West Indies series). He is someone who has done well at the opener's slot."
Opening is the slot that suits Rahane, feels his skipper.
"He has batted in the middle order also but we see him to be more powerful in the opening slot, that is where he can play his game the best," Kohli said on the eve of the first ODI beginning here on Friday.
"So, during the course of all these five games, Ajinkya will open," Kohli put all speculations regarding top order to rest.
Asked about the mindset of the players after just coming out of a high-profile tournament like the Champions Trophy, he said, "It is a lovely atmosphere to be a part of after a high-profile tournament like the Champions Trophy. It is great to be in a relaxing place."