In response to reports of a possible communication breakdown between head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has firmly stated that the three have productive on-field conversations and planning ahead of India’s current and future ODI assignments.
Recently, there have been intense rumours, particularly on social media, that the coach and the two senior pros do not communicate and that their relationship is totally shattered. When India plays the format, Rohit and Kohli are mainly in the spotlight because they are both concentrating only on the 50-over internationals in the latter stages of their careers. Kotak denied that the three were at odds with one another.
“They [Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma] talk to Gautam about our matches, the ODI format, and our plans to travel to South Africa [for the 2027 World Cup].” I’m there most of the time, and they always share their experiences when I’m listening. Before the second ODI against New Zealand, Kotak said in Rajkot, “I always see them talking.”
He also highlighted the professionalism and leadership of both veterans and the proactive role they play in creating strategies.
They’ll leave a few days early if they think it’s necessary. They also practise because they have been such excellent players for India. They are aware that they are only playing one format at the moment, and I have no doubt that they are thinking about it. When they are there and playing, they want India to win everywhere,” Kotak continued.
The batting coach claims that Virat and Rohit are effectively managing their workload and only participate in ODIs after retiring from T20I and Test matches.
Therefore, they are a great person in terms of planning and everything. They are aware of what must be done. They are aware of their body’s needs, including those related to fitness and batting. They are meticulous experts. Therefore, I don’t believe kids need to be instructed to do this or that. They can actually share a lot of ideas with other players because of their experience,” Kotak said.
Team India will try to win the second ODI, which is set to take place in Rajkot, to seal the series after defeating the Kiwis handily in the first ODI. In the first ODI, Rohit failed to create an impression after being bowled for 26 runs off 29 balls, while Virat Kohli was named player of the match for his innings of 93 runs.
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