Kohli and Rohit Remain Vital for India's ODI Future, Says Batting Coach
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak made a clear statement on Tuesday. He confirmed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to hold important positions in India's long-term One Day International plans. This includes preparations for next year's World Cup.
Active Involvement with Team Management
Kotak spoke ahead of India's second ODI against New Zealand. He emphasized that both experienced batters work closely with the team management. Head coach Gautam Gambhir coordinates with them regularly.
"They definitely make plans," Kotak stated. "Now that they're playing only one format, they want India to win everywhere when they are there."
The batting coach highlighted their valuable contributions. He noted their extensive experience helps other players. Kohli and Rohit frequently share ideas and discuss strategies.
"With the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players, and they do discuss," Kotak explained. "They discuss with Gautam the ODI format, the matches that we have and our plans for South Africa."
Positive Team Environment
Kotak addressed recent discussions about the relationship between the senior players and the new coaching setup. Both Kohli and Rohit stepped away from Test cricket before last year's England tour.
"Most of the time I'm there and if I'm listening, they definitely share the experience and I always see them talking," Kotak said. "Obviously, on social media, you see a lot of things which I try to avoid seeing. But what I see, there are a lot of positives."
Strategic Adjustments After T20 World Cup
The batting coach pointed out that India will need to revise its ODI batting strategy. This revision will happen after the T20 World Cup concludes in March. The new one-ball rule after the 34th over requires careful consideration.
Under this rule, bowling teams must select one ball to continue from overs 35 to 50. Kotak acknowledged the significant difference between T20Is and ODIs.
"It's still a huge difference between T20Is and ODIs," he observed. "More or less every game is going over 300, particularly in India. We see more 300-plus scores and then you're chasing as well."
"After the T20 World Cup, I think there'll definitely be more ODIs," Kotak continued. "We'll have to set up one template as to how we play after this new rule of having 34 overs only have one ball."
Reasoning Behind Ayush Badoni's Selection
Kotak also explained the selection of Ayush Badoni. Washington Sundar's injury created this opportunity. The batting coach clarified the selectors' decision.
"He's been performing and it's the selectors who pick the team," Kotak said. "If we had only five bowlers in the first ODI and Washington got injured on the fourth or the fifth over, then who would have bowled those overs?"
He emphasized the need for additional bowling options. "Somebody should be able to bowl four-five or even three-four overs, whatever the situation requires. I think that would be the reason for his selection and he has scored runs and he can bowl. He's been performing in IPL also."
Dismissing Concerns Over Recent Form
Kotak dismissed concerns about Badoni's recent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He argued that a few low-scoring innings should not matter much.
"Our boys, the amount of cricket they play, I don't think for any batter two or three innings would make any difference, and it shouldn't," he concluded firmly.
