Virat Kohli weighs in on Ajinkya Rahane debate

Virat Kohli dismissed criticism the team management copped for dropping Ajinkya Rahane for the first Test. The Indian vice-captain had a poor series against Sri Lanka at home and Rohit Sharma was preferred in Newlands.

Rohit flopped in both the innings and Rahane's absence was felt. The latter has a better average away than at home and several experts wondered if it was a good idea to leave him out.

"It is funny," said Kohli. "Before last Test, everyone was saying Ajinkya Rahane should not be included in the playing XI. Now, in one week, that has changed. Everyone is saying he should be. We don't decide playing XI as per outside opinion."