India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, delivered a sharp and definitive response to the swirling questions about Virat Kohli's long-term place in the country's One-Day International setup. Following India's thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in Ranchi, Kotak insisted that such speculation holds no merit given the veteran batsman's current form and physical condition.
"The Conversation Should Not Exist": Kotak's Firm Stance
In the lead-up to the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, discussions resurfaced regarding whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—both now focused on a single format—fit into India's plans for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Kotak, however, made it abundantly clear that neither the team management nor the players themselves are entertaining these doubts.
"I really don't know why we need to look at all this," Kotak stated emphatically. "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." He emphasized that as long as Kohli continues to deliver, there is simply no point in debating his role.
Kohli's Masterclass Silences Critics
The catalyst for Kotak's strong rebuttal was Kohli's phenomenal performance in the series opener. The star batter crafted a magnificent 135 runs off just 120 balls, registering his 52nd ODI century. The innings was a classic exhibition of his skill, showcasing his ability to shoulder responsibility, control the game's tempo, and anchor the Indian innings to a competitive total.
For the batting coach, this was yet another reminder of Kohli's indispensable value. "He's just brilliant, man. As long as he keeps batting like this, there is no point talking about anything else," Kotak reiterated. He also dismissed concerns about a minor back issue Kohli experienced, assuring everyone that the player is fine.
Focus on the Present, Not 2027
Kotak redirected the focus firmly to the present, revealing that the team is not looking as far ahead as the next World Cup. "I feel these things shouldn't happen. They (Rohit and Kohli) are brilliant, they are performing, and they are contributing to the team. We're not talking about 2027 at all," he declared.
He highlighted the immense advantage of having both seasoned campaigners back in the playing XI after the Test series, noting their experience in building partnerships and mentoring younger players. Reflecting on the Ranchi win, Kotak praised young pacer Harshit Rana for his crucial early wickets, which proved vital given the heavy dew that later aided South Africa's chase.
While India took a 1-0 lead in the series, the most significant message from the day was Kotak's unequivocal support for Virat Kohli, effectively stating that for this team, his ODI future is not a topic open for debate.
