'They discuss with..' - India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak discusses relation of Virat Kohli- Rohit Sharma with Gautam Gambhir ahead of IND vs NZ 2nd ODI

Sitanshu Kotak, the batting coach for India, has strongly denied any allegations regarding a loss of communication between the senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as well as the team management. He has highlighted that communication has been open, consistent, and clear between the players and management. Kotak indicated that there are no areas of friction that exist within the group, and that the management continues to be in regular contact with all senior players to ensure that each player understands their role, the team's expectations, and general plans for the team.

The concern over a potential communication breakdown arose when Rohit and Kohli stepped down from Test cricket to allow Shubman Gill to take over as captain of the ODI team. In addition, news articles stated that members of the BCCI had met with senior players during the tour of South Africa in an attempt to resolve perceived issues surrounding the relationship between senior players and selectors. In response to this situation, Kotak has fully refuted claims of there being a "rift" between the players, the selectors, and the leadership group, emphasising that everyone involved is working together in complete unison.

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“They discuss with Gautam (Gambhir) about ODI formats, about the matches we have, and our plans going (ahead) to South Africa (World Cup in 2027). Most of the time I’m there and if I’m listening. They definitely share the experience and I always see them talking. Obviously, in social media, you see a lot of things which I try to avoid seeing. They are thorough professionals. So I don’t think they need to be saying they need to do this or that. In fact, the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players and they do discuss,” said Kotak as quoted by The Indian Express.

They definitely make plans: Kotak

Kotak confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already had detailed conversations with head coach Gautam Gambhir regarding their future plans. However, the team management has deliberately refrained from making any public comments, while the selection committee is also taking a measured approach without rushing decisions. Regardless of the uncertainty, both veterans have delivered outstanding performances. Since the South Africa series, Kohli has struck two centuries and three fifties, while Rohit has looked in fine rhythm since the Australia tour, registering three half-centuries and a century.

“See, both of them are so senior and so experienced. They definitely make plans. They want to practice at all the venues. If they feel they need to, they’ll go a couple of days in advance. They practice because they both also have been such outstanding players for India. Planning-wise and all, they are brilliant. They know what they need to do. They know what their body needs, not only batting, even fitness, whatever requirements they have,” said Kotak.