Sitanshu Kotak, India’s batting coach, has dismissed rumours of a communication breakdown between star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma,
As well as head coach Gautam Gambhir, insisting that the trio engages in constructive on-field discussions and planning ahead of India’s current and upcoming ODI assignments.
Recently, there has been widespread suspicion, particularly on social media, that the coach’s relationship with the two senior pros has broken down and that they are no longer speaking.
With Rohit and Kohli focussing primarily on 50-over internationals in the latter stages of their careers, they receive the most of the attention whenever India plays the format.
Kotak denied that the three had a falling out.
“They [Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli] discuss with Gautam about the ODI format, about the matches we have, and about our plans going to South Africa [for the 2027 World Cup]. Most of the time I’m there, and whenever I’m listening, they definitely share their experience. I always see them talking,” Kotak stated in Rajkot ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand.
He further emphasized the proactive role both veterans play in shaping strategy, highlighting their professionalism and leadership.
“If they feel they need to, they’ll go a couple of days in advance. And they practise because they have also been such outstanding players for India. They know now they’re playing one format, and I’m sure they are thinking that one format, they want India to win everywhere when they are there, and they are performing,” Kotak added.
The duo of Rohit and Virat only plays in the ODIs post their retirements in T20I and Tests, and are managing their workload smartly, according to the batting coach.
“So planning-wise and all, they are someone who is brilliant. They know what they need to do. They know what their body needs, not only batting, even the fitness, whatever requirements they have. They are thorough professionals. So I don’t think they need to be told that they need to do this or that. In fact, the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players,” Kotak concluded.
After a convincing win in the first ODI against the Kiwis, Team India will look to clinch the series by winning the second ODI scheduled to take place at Rajkot. Virat Kohli was named player of the match in the first ODI for his knock of 93 runs, whereas Rohit had failed to make an impact after getting dismissed for 26 runs off 29 balls.
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