BCCI rubbishes reports on Virat Kohli-Tim Paine banter

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday rubbished reports claiming that Indian skipper Virat Kohli got into a verbal feud with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine during the second Test at Perth.

"The BCCI got a clarification from the team management about the incident and would like to classify the reports as baseless," a BCCI statement said.

"It is "assumed" that Kohli said, "I am the best player in the world and you are just a stand-in captain". These claims were based on hearsay and the BCCI would like to bring into notice that no such words were spoken on the field by the Indian captain," the statement added.

A poor batting in the second innings led India to a crushing 146-run defeat against Australia as they were bowled out at a total of 140 runs on the fifth day of the second Test. With the victory, Australia have levelled the four-match series 1-1.

Emphasising that the Indian team is still in a good space, Kohli said that a little bit more composure from their side could help them repeat what they did in Adelaide.

"We were committed and determined in the match. There was no lacking in that area but Australia played better cricket. They were more consistent. As a team, we are in a good space because we know we are playing good cricket. If we show composure, we can encore our Adelaide Test victory," he said.

India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test of the series which is slated to be held from Dec 26-30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.