Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly gave a straight advice to both Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble and urged the duo to just 'shut any controversy out of their minds' ahead of India's marquee clash against Pakistan.

Ganguly, member of the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee tasked with selecting the team's coach stated that he has not and won't be thinking about that process till the Champions Trophy is over.

"This morning, I’ve been at the ground since 8 O’Clock. I’m supposed to have spoken to players, spoken to Virat. I’ve not done it one bit, and neither am I keen to," Ganguly said.

Two other CAC members, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman will be in London but Ganguly said that it's too early to decide on anything.

"Don’t know, we’ll see what happens. You need to hear from the right people. You need to hear from them, what is it, what they want and what’s the way forward. It’s too early at this stage. You’re in the middle of a Champions Trophy. I don’t even think about all these things."

The former India skipper further stated that players have to be professional and controversies can't take their focus away.

"Just deal with it. You’re a name, you’re captain of India, you’re coach of India, you’ll have to deal with it. Just keep quiet and play the game,” he said.

"Whether there is uncertainty (over the coach’s future) or not I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see. All of us can talk. But there are two exceptional cricketers: Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble. They’re responsible cricketers; they know what they’re doing."

"Everybody faces controversy. You just have to deal with it and move on. That's life."

"You should not worry about it. Professionals find a way. Look at (Cristiano) Ronaldo. He’s in controversies every week but he still comes out and takes Real Madrid to the Champions League final."

Asked if it was a case of two strong personalities clashing, Ganguly said, "Yeah, but that’s with everything in life," he said.

"Sometimes small things just get blown out of proportion. If two of you are sitting in the media box discussing players, each has a different opinion. Doesn't mean you don’t get along."

Terming India as favourites against Pakistan, Ganguly said, “India are a good side. For the last 15 years they've had the better of Pakistan.

"It’s a new day, a new game but still (India is the favourite)."