India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed speculations of any rift between the team management and senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Kotak confirmed that Rohit and Virat are having regular discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir as part of the planning process for the ODI World Cup 2027.
Rumors of Virat and Rohit’s disinterest in Gambhir were rife after both the batsmen retired from the red-ball format ahead of the Test tour of England last year. The board reportedly recently held a meeting to improve communication between senior players and selectors during the South Africa series.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli discussed with Gautam Gambhir – Sitanshu Kotak
Ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand, Sitanshu Kotak clarified that there was no communication breakdown in the dressing room. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are planning for the World Cup with Gautam Gambhir, he said, adding that talk on social media does not reflect the reality.
“He discussed with Gautam (Gambhir) about the ODI formats, the matches we have and our plans ahead of South Africa (World Cup in 2027),” Kotak said.
He quipped, “Most of the time I’m there and if I’m listening. They definitely share experiences and I always watch them talk. Obviously, there’s a lot of stuff you see in social media that I try to avoid seeing.”
They are complete professionals – Sitanshu Kotak on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Sitanshu Kotak said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli work with complete clarity and do not need constant instructions from the management. He said that he carefully manages his batting, fitness and recovery depending on his body and preparation requirement.
Kotak said, “They are complete professionals. So I don’t think they need to be told that they need to do this or that. In fact, with the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players and they discuss.”
“Look, both of them are so senior and experienced. They definitely plan. They want to practice at all the places. If they feel they need to, they will go a few days in advance.”
“They practice because both of them have also been excellent players for India. They are brilliant in terms of planning. They know what they need to do. They know what their bodies need, not just batting, even fitness, whatever their requirements are,” he said.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in good form as future decisions are still on hold
The team management has not yet spoken clearly about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The selection committee is also taking its time and has not been hasty in taking any decision. Both the players are continuously performing well on the field.
Since the South Africa series, Kohli has scored two centuries and three fifty-plus scores. He looks relaxed at the crease and is enjoying his batting. Rohit has not played big innings yet, but he looks fluent and in good rhythm.
Meanwhile, the team management may bring in Nitish Reddy as a replacement for Washington Sundar, who suffered a rib injury during the first ODI in Vadodara.
Reddy is a strong option as he can bowl a few overs apart from the main bowlers, which could be useful on a high-scoring pitch like the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14.
Also read: Shreyas Iyer refuses to speak in detail about Virat Kohli’s heroics against New Zealand