India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating the duo is not out of form despite their poor showing in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia. Addressing the media in Adelaide, before the second game, Kotak noted that the experienced batters had trained thoroughly prior to the series and cautioned against overreacting to a single poor performance.
The two former Indian captains made a subdued comeback to international cricket after a seven-month absence. Rohit fell early, caught at second slip off a short ball from Josh Hazlewood, and Virat Kohli was dismissed, for his first ODI duck on Australian soil, edging a delivery from Mitchell Starc to the fielder stationed at point.
Kotak attributed much of the team’s batting difficulties to the erratic weather conditions, with frequent rain breaks disrupting the players’ timing and flow. “I don’t think so,” Kotak said when asked if Rohit and Kohli appeared rusty. “They played the IPL. The preparation has been very good. I think it was the weather. It would have been the same if Australia had come out to bat. It is not easy when there are four or five interruptions and every two overs you are going in and coming back out.”
On whether the pair required coaching inputs, Kotak advocated for a hands-off approach with seasoned players, stressing the value of allowing them space unless intervention was essential. He highlighted that these veterans, with more than a decade of top-level experience, benefit from trust in their methods rather than premature adjustments.
“Both of them are very experienced. Before coming to Australia, they had proper preparation. I think it’s too early to judge them. They just retired from Test cricket. Coming into the series, we were aware of their fitness levels and the preparation work they had been doing. We had access to their videos from the NCA. With such senior players, you do not need to step in right away if you see they are doing the right things. If you try to get involved too much, that might not be the best approach,” Kotak said. “Both Virat and Rohit looked in good touch. They batted well in the nets yesterday. I believe they’re doing well, to be honest,” he added.
Following a seven-wicket defeat to Mitchell Marsh’s Australia in the opener, the team held a productive net session on Tuesday, at the Adelaide Oval, where Rohit and Kohli faced bowlers for about an hour. Kotak confirmed their crisp form in practice, offering optimism to supporters at the picturesque venue, which is a sold-out affair on Thursday.
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