India move to clarify Kohli spat

India's World Cup squad was in damage control today after reports emerged that Virat Kohli had let fly with a verbal barrage at a travelling journalist he thought had written about his private life.

Apparently enraged by a story about his relationship with Bollywood star Anushka Sharma and India's tour of England, Kohli reportedly directed a string of vitriol towards the stunned man at Perth's Murdoch Oval, where India had just completed training ahead of Friday's WACA clash against West Indies.

Kohli, India's new Test captain and future ODI captain, was later told he had directed his ire at the wrong journalist, then reportedly sent an apology through another, presumably more favoured, correspondent.

The abused reporter, who was not named in media reports, was said to have replied "go and tell him that he is an international player and he should learn how to behave," according to AFP.

"How can he abuse and intimidate someone? I would like to add that Kohli did not apologise to me directly."

The incident prompted the Indian team's media manager, Dr Baba, to today issue a statement in an attempt to cool inflamed tensions amongst the travelling press pack.

"There was a misunderstanding and no abusive language was used, Virat has spoken to the concerned gentlemen immediately and matter ends..." Dr Baba's statement read.

India, undefeated in Pool B of the World Cup, can confirm their quarter-final berth with a win against the West Indies at the WACA on Friday.

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