India’s batting coach dispels doubts about Rohit, Kohli future post win in first ODI

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reflected on the speculation surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI futures and said he could not understand why the duo’s longevity was being debated at all, given their current form.

Kohli was at his vintage best as he scored his 52nd ODI century (135 off 120) on Sunday in India’s 17-run victory in the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa.

He shared a 136-run partnership with former captain Rohit Sharma (57) and appeared in excellent form as he reached a century for the first time in 50-over cricket since his superb unbeaten century against Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy in February.

Though Kohli received plenty of praise for his 83rd international century, it raised questions about whether he and Rohit would continue to play at the ODI level, aiming to carry on until the next edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027.

Reacting to this, Kotak stated that there is ‘no point talking about all this’ since plenty of international cricket remains before the next ODI World Cup. He also encouraged fans to appreciate Kohli, who continues to be in excellent form.

“I don’t know why we need to look at all this - he’s (Kohli) really batting well, and I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future,” Kotak said in a post-match presser. “

Just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant. The way he’s performing and his fitness - there are no questions about anything.

“I feel such things (the 2027 World Cup) shouldn’t even be spoken about after the way he plays and performs. That is something which is two years away.

“There’s no point talking about all this. For us, once the team arrives and we start practice, we just enjoy,” he said.

Kohli and Rohit, who led India’s previous ODI series in Australia, played well together, stitching a match-winning century partnership in Ranchi.

However, there has been much speculation about whether Kohli, 37, and Rohit, 38, can maintain their form and fitness to participate in the 50-over World Cup two years from now.

“Obviously, they do share their experience with others. I don’t think we’re talking anything about the 2027 World Cup. They are just brilliant, and they are performing. They are contributing to the team, which is a great thing for us.

They are such experienced players; it’s always great to have them. The way they bat - like today also, that partnership - it makes a huge difference. Obviously, they batted really well,” Kotak said.

Meanwhile, Kohli returned to action with a bang, scoring a century in the first ODI against South Africa, and said he did his usual stuff of physical fitness and visualisation, which helped him land on his feet at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

India put up a commanding first innings total, driven by a superb century from Virat Kohli (135 off 120 balls) and vital fifties from Rohit Sharma (57, 51b) and KL Rahul (60, 56b).

The experienced pair stitched together a fluent 136-run stand, taking the pressure off after the early setback as India posted a massive 398/8 in 50 overs. They then came back to bundle out South Africa for 332 and win the match by 17 runs with Matthew Breetzke (72, 80b), Marco Jansen (70, 39b), and Corbin Bosch (67, 51b) making it a close affair.

But the spotlight was firmly on Virat Kohli; he struck 11 boundaries and seven sixes.

“Today was really nice to get into the game like that. Pitch played decently for 20-25 overs before slowing down. I just wanted to play the ball and enjoy the game of cricket.

“It was about enjoying, and when you get a start, then the experience kicks in, and you’re able to build an innings,” said Kohli, who was adjudged as Player of the Match. Kohli said he is not a believer in doing a lot of preparation ahead of a series.

“I’ve never been a believer in a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up, and then you visualise batting and feeling well, it’s good. I wanted to get hold of conditions in Ranchi,” said Kohli after the match.

Agencies