The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not immediately pursue the matter related to Virat Kohli’s assertion that its president Sourav Ganguly had never asked him to reconsider his decision of relinquishing the T20I captaincy.

India’s Test captain had on Wednesday contradicted what the former India skipper said last week.

The BCCI decision has been taken keeping in view the coming series in South Africa. The Kohli-led squad landed in Johannesburg on Thursday and the first of the three Tests is scheduled from December 26.

There have been whispers that the BCCI could issue a statement or hold a media conference to clear the air but such talk has been dismissed by people in the know.

“Sourav knows what it takes to win a series overseas. He doesn’t wish to disturb the team’s focus before such an important World Test Championship series. Nothing is more satisfying than the team’s success,” a source close to Sourav told The Telegraph on Thursday.

Even the legendary Sunil Gavaskar feels Sourav is the best person to clarify on Kohli’s statement. The BCCI brass too wanted Sourav to respond on Wednesday itself to nail what they felt was improper claims by the captain. Office-bearers, who were part of the conversation when Kohli was asked to continue by the Board president, have been startled by the developments.

But the Board president refrained from making a comment since he didn’t wish “to be involved in what may be seen as mud-slinging with someone so junior” to him. It also doesn’t portray the ideal picture to fans and other stakeholders of the game.

“It’s a tricky situation and has to be treated delicately. In no way does it imply that the Board is remaining silent and accepting what Kohli had said. If needed the Board will react at the right time, maybe after the series in South Africa gets over,” said the source.

“Knowing Sourav, it will only be a matter of time before the Board president extends a helping hand to the captain, whenever needed. He will always be ready to forget everything and mend fences for the sake of Indian cricket.”

Sources told The Telegraph that Sourav had even shot down a proposal from certain quarters to ask Kohli to relinquish the T20I captaincy even before the World Cup.

“Once he told the Board that he didn’t wish to stay captain after the World Cup, some felt that he should quit ahead of the showpiece event so that whoever takes over can bring in fresh ideas and adapt nicely. But the Board president wanted that Kohli’s wishes should be respected,” the source said.

“Sourav has always stood up for Kohli. When Kohli and some other players refused to play the Manchester Test because a member of the support staff had tested positive, the Board president took the initiative to force the England board to call off the Test on the opening day.

“He has always recognised the hardships of the players and the mental fatigue associated with staying in a bio bubble.

“He took the initiative of giving players a break because of these factors. Kohli should have kept these in mind before making such unfounded statements. It will be very unfortunate if Kohli has been driven by people with vested interests,” the source maintained.