AUS vs IND: Indian coach makes bold remark on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s form ahead of 2nd ODI
Batting coach of India Sitanshu Kotak expressed full confidence in the senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide on Thursday October 23.
Sitanshu Kotak dismisses concerns over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s form.
After India’s seven-wicket defeat in the rain-affected opener in Perth, Kotak dismissed doubts over the duo’s form, emphasizing their experience, preparation and professionalism.
“I don’t think there was any rust. They played the IPL and their preparation was very good. Both of them have a lot of experience. Even before coming to Australia, their preparation was excellent,” ” Kotak said in a pre-match media interaction on Wednesday.
The first ODI saw play reduced to 26 overs per team due to persistent rain. India recorded a below-average total, with Rohit scoring only eight runs and Virat dismissed for a duckallowing Australia to comfortably chase the target.
Kotak, however, played down the impact of the early setbacks. “It’s difficult to plan your innings when you have four or five rain breaks. Getting in and out at regular intervals is not easy for any team. The conditions made batting quite difficult,” he explained.
“They both seem to be in very good contact”: Kotak
Despite their low scores in Perth, Kotak reiterated that both senior batters have strong pace. “They both seem to me to be in very good touch. They batted very well yesterday in the nets. In every training session their approach has been excellent,” he noted.
The batting coach also pointed out that the management was closely monitoring the form and fitness of the players, even during their break after India’s Champions Trophy triumph.
Kotak revealed that the coaching staff and selectors remain in constant communication with the senior players during their rest periods.
“We were very aware of their preparations and fitness. They sometimes go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and we get regular updates and videos from there – their training routines, their fitness work, everything,” he said.
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The coach also spoke about the delicate balance in managing experienced players like Rohit and Kohli.
“With such experienced players, you don’t want to step in if it’s not necessary. If they’re doing things right and you’re still trying to get involved, it might not be the right thing to do. You have to find the right time to step in,” Kotak explained.
With Australia leading 1-0 in the three-match series, India will be under pressure to put up a better performance in the second ODI.
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