India's Batting coach reacts to questions on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's fitness ahead of AUS vs IND 2nd ODI
India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, reacted to the form and fitness of the two veteran Indian players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, after their failure in the last game as the focus shifts to Adelaide on the second clash.
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, revealed that there would be no sign of rustiness in the senior batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who got off to an Australian trip in a low note, having been not in the competitive cricket since the end of the IPL 2025 nearly six months ago, while they made their return to the 50-over format after nine months.
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, however, isn’t concerned about the entire team for the veteran’s form and fitness ahead of the second ODI fixture of the series at the Adelaide Oval, despite their duo’s struggle in the opening clash at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
See Also: Former captain to take charge as Pakistan announce new leader ahead of South Africa ODI series
“I don’t think so. They played IPL. The preparation has been very good. I think both of them have a lot of experience. Before coming to Australia, they had time in their preparations, and they have done it. 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 expressed in the pre-match conference.
Sitanshu Kotak not concerned about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of AUS vs IND Adelaide Oval
Kohli got dismissed on an eight-ball duck in his stay in Perth as he couldn’t time the drive from the middle of the bat, while Rohit got an outside edge into the hands of the slip region.
Every 4-5 breaks we had, every 2 overs you are going in, coming out — it’s difficult. 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 shed light.
“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.” India’s batting coach concluded.
Tags:
