India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has defended senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the second ODI in the three-match series against Australia. Kotak stated that Virat and Rohit don’t require intervention from coaches during international assignments, given their experience and professionalism.
Kohli and Rohit returned to international cricket during the first ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19. However, the batting duo recorded scores of 0 and 8, respectively, in India’s seven-wicket loss. The Indian team will face Australia in the second clash in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23.
We Are Very Much Aware Of Preparations – Sitanshu Kotak
Ahead of the second ODI against Australia, Sitanshu Kotak spoke about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s form. Kotak stated that he is aware of their fitness and training routines, including sessions at the National Cricket Academy. He also stated that intervention should be made only when necessary.
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“See, we are very much aware of what preparations they are doing, what their fitness status is. They also go to the National Cricket Academy. What they are doing there, their videos… obviously, I would have [watched them]. But not always, to be very honest,” Kotak said.
“You have to find the time to intervene. I am a big believer in that. With such senior players, you don’t want to intervene if it’s not required. If they are doing things right and you’re still trying to get involved, it may not be the right thing to do always,” he added.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Have a Lot of Experience – Sitanshu Kotak
There were concerns about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s rustiness after time away from international cricket. Sitanshu Kotak dismissed these doubts, citing their IPL participation and preparation before the tour.
“I think both of them have a lot of experience. Obviously, they are playing IPL and they are constantly playing. Before coming to Australia, they had time in their preparations, and they have done it,” Kotak said.
Rohit Sharma edged a delivery from Josh Hazlewood, while Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck after just eight balls off Mitchell Starc. The early dismissals of India’s key batters left the team struggling, and the team posted a total of 136/9 in the rain-shortened 26-over encounter.
The Preparation Has Been Very Good – Sitanshu Kotak
Sitanshu Kotak said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma didn’t look rusty in the first ODI, adding that they struggled due to the challenging weather conditions. Kotak also pointed out that both players had prepared well through the IPL and training sessions.
“I don’t think so. They played IPL. The preparation has been very good. Like I said, I felt the weather in the first game definitely played a role. Because I think it would have been the same if Australia had batted. When you don’t know how many overs you are going to bat, it’s not easy to plan,” Kotak stated.
Virat and Rohit have combined to play 577 ODIs, amassing more than 25,000 runs. Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar remain cautious about their inclusion in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
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