IND vs SA: “They are just brilliant and…” - India batting coach breaks silence on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future in ODIs

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stitched 136 runs partnership in the first IND vs SA ODI.

Indian Cricket Team batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided an update about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in the ODIs. He believes that both the legends are brilliant and performing well but he also urged fans to stay in the present. 

India started the ODI series against South Africa on a high as they won the opening game by a margin of 17 runs in Ranchi. The major credit for the win went to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the duo yet again stepped up for the side and played magically. 

Rohit Sharma started the innings and slammed his third consecutive half-century, hitting 57. But it was hard to take eyes off Virat Kohli as he looked at his vintage best and played a sensational innings, racking up another ton. 

Kohli looked at his fluent best and hit 135 as he added 136 runs for the second wicket with Sharma. Their partnership set the platform for the side as they ended up posting a massive total of 349 runs on the board. 

Sitanshu Kotak while lauding Kohli said that he sees no reason for talks related to his future, adding that there is no point talking about the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 as he is very fit. Speaking during the post-match press conference, he said:

“There’s no point talking about all this and fans should stay in the moment. I don’t know why we need to look at all this – he’s really batting well, and I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future.

“Just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant. The way he’s performing, [and] his fitness – there are no questions about anything,” Kotak said. “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 in talking about all this. For us, once the team arrives and we start practice, we just enjoy.”

They are just brilliant, and they are performing – Sitanshu Kotak on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Kotak also talked about the experience that Sharma and Kohli bring with them, stating that the duo makes a huge difference. He added:

“Obviously, they do share their experience with others,” Kotak said. “I don’t think we’re talking about 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,” Kotak said. “The way they bat – like today also, that partnership – it makes a huge difference. Obviously, they batted really well.”

Both Rohit and Kohli will next be seen in action when India take on South Africa in the second ODI on December 3 in Raipur. 

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