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Why India's Batting Coach Says 'No Point' Talking About Ro-Ko's Future

India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, is baffled by the ongoing speculation about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI future. He believes there's simply no point in the debate while both players are performing brilliantly. Kotak urges everyone to just enjoy watching Kohli bat, especially after his match-winning century in Ranchi. The coach feels talk about the 2027 World Cup is premature and that the team benefits immensely from having such experienced players.

Key Points: Kotak Dismisses Kohli Rohit ODI Future Talks After Ranchi Century

  • Kotak questions the need for debate over Kohli and Rohit's ODI future given their current performances
  • He highlights Kohli's brilliant century and fitness, seeing no reason for concern
  • The coach emphasizes enjoying their present form rather than speculating about the 2027 World Cup
  • Kotak praises the experienced duo's match-winning partnership and contribution to the team
3 min read

They are brilliant, they're performing: Batting coach Kotak says 'there's no point talking' about Ro-Ko's future

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismisses speculation over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI future, urging fans to simply enjoy their brilliant current form.

"I don't know why we need to look at all this - he's (Kohli) really batting well, and I don't see any reason we need to talk about his future. - Sitanshu Kotak"

Ranchi, Dec 1

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reflected on the speculation surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI futures and said he could not understand why the duo's longevity was being debated at all, given their current form.

Kohli was at his vintage best as he scored his 52nd ODI century (135 off 120) on Sunday in India's 17-run victory in the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa.

He shared a 136-run partnership with former captain Rohit Sharma (57) and appeared in excellent form as he reached a century for the first time in 50-over cricket since his superb unbeaten century against Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy in February.

Though Kohli received plenty of praise for his 83rd international century, it raised questions about whether he and Rohit would continue to play at the ODI level, aiming to carry on until the next edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027.

Reacting to this, Kotak stated that there is ‘no point talking about all this' since plenty of international cricket remains before the next ODI World Cup. He also encouraged fans to appreciate Kohli, who continues to be in excellent form.

"I don't know why we need to look at all this - he's (Kohli) really batting well, and I don't see any reason we need to talk about his future," Kotak said in a post-match presser. "Just the way he's batting, it's just brilliant. The way he's performing and his fitness - there are no questions about anything.

"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 talking about all this. For us, once the team arrives and we start practice, we just enjoy," he said.

Kohli and Rohit, who led India's previous ODI series in Australia, played well together, stitching a match-winning century partnership in Ranchi. However, there has been much speculation about whether Kohli, 37, and Rohit, 38, can maintain their form and fitness to participate in the 50-over World Cup two years from now.

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

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, I completely agree. The media loves to create narratives. These two legends are performing at the highest level. Their experience is priceless for the younger players in the dressing room.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think it's a fair question. They are both near 40. We need to build for 2027. While their current form is great, we must have a succession plan. Can't just rely on sentiment. But yes, for now, let them play!
P
Priya S
Their partnership in Ranchi was pure class! Yaar, sometimes we overthink everything in Indian cricket. Just sit back and watch the masters at work. The hunger in Virat's eyes is still there. Who are we to doubt them?
R
Rohit P
Fitness is the key. Look at how fit both are! They are probably fitter than many 25-year-olds. If they keep this up, why not 2027? The bigger question is who will replace them? We don't have ready-made replacements yet.
M
Michael C
It's simple. Performance should be the only criteria. They are performing, so they play. The day they stop, they will know it before anyone else. These are not ordinary players; they are all-time greats with immense pride.

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