‘Why question Virat Kohli’s future?’: India batting coach quashes speculation, hints at ODI World Cup plans

Virat Kohli slammed 52nd ODI hundred (BCCI Photo)

In response to mounting rumors about Virat Kohli's long-term ODI future, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that the discussion "should not exist" considering the superstar's fitness, form, and ongoing supremacy in 50-over cricket. The topic of whether Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are now single-format players, fit into India's ambitions for the 2027 ODI World Cup reappeared in the run-up to the ODI leg of South Africa series. However, Kotak made it apparent that neither the management nor the team was amenable to such conversations.

"I really don't know why we need to look at all this," Kotak said after India's thrilling 17-run win in Ranchi on Sunday. "He's batting so well. Why do we need to talk about his future? The way he's performing, the way his fitness is there are no questions about anything."

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Kohli's 52nd ODI hundred, a dominant 135 off 120 balls, again displayed his unrivaled ability to absorb responsibility, regulate tempo and anchor an innings. It served as another reminder to Kotak of why the 37-year-old is still essential to India's ODI strategy. "He's just brilliant, man. As long as he keeps batting like this, there is no point talking about anything else,” Kotak said.

He continued by saying that neither players nor staff are currently thinking about the 2027 World Cup: "I feel these things shouldn't happen. They (Ro-Ko) are brilliant, they are performing, and they are contributing to the team. We're not talking about 2027 at all."

Additionally, Kotak downplayed worries about Kohli's slight back stiffness, stating: "As much as I know, he's fine."

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He emphasised how important it is to have both Rohit and Kohli back in the starting lineup after the Test series loss. "They are such experienced players. The way they bat, the partnerships they build it makes a huge difference. They share their experience with younger players, and that itself is a big advantage."

In his analysis of the game, Kotak praised rookie pacer Harshit Rana for his early breakthroughs and emphasised the thick dew that helped South Africa's run-chase. "A lot of credit to Harshit... he made the most of the swing. Otherwise, with so much dew, chasing would have been very easy."

India lead the series 1-0, but Kotak's statement that Kohli's ODI future is certain was the most important lesson.