India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed its full confidence in 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 the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
After defeating India by seven wickets in the rain-affected opener in Perth, Kotak brushed aside doubts over the duo’s form and highlighted their experience, preparation and professionalism.
“I don’t think there was any rust. They played the IPL and their preparation was very good. They both have a lot of experience. Even before they came to Australia, their preparations were excellent,” Kotak said this during a pre-match media interaction on Wednesday.
In the first ODI, the game was reduced to 26 overs per side due to persistent rain. India achieved a below average total, with Rohit scored just eight runs and Virat was dismissed for a duckallowing Australia to chase down the target comfortably.
However, Kotak downplayed the impact of the early setbacks. “It’s difficult to plan your innings when you have four or five rain breaks. Going in and out every few overs is not easy for any team. The conditions made batting quite challenging,” he explained.
“They both seem to fit me very well”: Kotak
Despite their low scores in Perth, Kotak reaffirmed that both senior batters are in a strong rhythm. “They both seem very well matched to me. They batted very well in the nets yesterday. Every practice session their approach was excellent,” he noted.
The batting coach also emphasized that the management has been closely monitoring the form and fitness of the players even during their break after the Indian Champions Trophy win.
Kotak revealed that the coaching staff and selectors remain in constant communication with senior players during their rest periods.
“We were very aware of the preparation they were doing and their fitness status. They sometimes go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and we get regular updates and videos about that – their practice routines, fitness work, everything,” he said.
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The coach also spoke about the delicate balance of managing experienced players like Rohit and Kohli.
“With such senior players you don’t want to intervene if you don’t have to. If they are doing things right and you are still trying to get involved, it might not be the right thing to do. You have to find the right time to intervene.” Kotak explained.
With Australia holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, India will be under pressure to perform stronger in the second ODI.
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