Don't want to be irresponsible: Kohli refuses to take side over CAA

Guwahati: Team India skipper Virat Kohli has refrained himself from commenting on the ongoing anti-CAA protests across the country.

"I do not want to be irresponsible and speak on something that has radical opinions on both sides. I need to have total information and knowledge of what it means and what is going on, then be responsible to give my opinion on it," said the ace batsman on Saturday.

Kohli was speaking to the media on the eve of India's first T20I against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. The match is scheduled to start tomorrow at 7 pm.

"The city is absolutely safe and we did not see any problems on the roads. I would not like to get involved in something that I don't have total knowledge of. It is not going to be responsible on my part to comment on," added the Indian skipper.

Anti-CAA protests have rocked the nation, with Guwahati being one of the worst affected areas. Four people have died in the city during demonstrations against the recently promulgated Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Amid tensions across Assam, stringent security measures have been adopted in and around the ACA Barsapara cricket stadium, the venue for tomorrow's T20 encounter.

According to the police, several security measures have been put in place for the safety of the players, officials and spectators. Adequate number of security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.

The police have banned several items, including posters, banners, sketch pens, and even markers, inside the stadium. Only wallet, phones and keys are allowed. The cops have clarified that the restrictions have been imposed only for security reasons and have "nothing to do with the anti-CAA protests".

India will play three T20Is against the visitors. The second and third matches will be played in Indore (January 7) and Pune (January 10).