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India Coach officially confirms Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup

Rajgeeta Yadav

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has strongly indicated that senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain part of India’s long-term ODI vision, including the 2027 Cricket World Cup. His remarks have brought clarity at a time when questions were being raised about the future of the two experienced players. 

Kotak made it clear that there is no gap in communication between the team management and the senior batters. Instead, regular discussions continue to shape India’s planning in the ODI format.

Kotak also dismissed talk around misunderstandings, stressing that Rohit and Kohli stay actively involved in team conversations. 

India batting coach on regular talks with Gautam Gambhir

Speaking to reporters ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand, India batting coach explained that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli frequently interact with head coach Gautam Gambhir. These discussions focus on current ODI matches as well as future plans.

"They discuss with Gautam about the ODI format, about the matches we have, and about our plans going to South Africa. Most of the time I'm there, and whenever I'm listening, they definitely share their experience. I always see them talking," Kotak said.

"Obviously, on social media, you see a lot of things, which I try to avoid seeing," he noted.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma central to long-term World Cup planning

He also shared that future tournaments form an important part of these talks. Planning for the 2027 Cricket World Cup has already begun, showing the team management’s long-term approach.

It is worth noting that Gambhir has previously avoided giving clear assurances about their participation in the 2027 World Cup, pointing out that there is still time before the tournament. Still, recent performances from both batters have strengthened their position in ODIs. Their form has made them difficult to ignore in selection discussions.

Sitanshu Kotak coach speaks highly of ROKO

India batting coach also spoke highly about the professionalism shown by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

"See, both of them are so senior and so experienced. They definitely make plans. They want to practise at all the venues.

"If they feel they need to, they'll go a couple of days in advance. And they practise because they both have also been such outstanding players for India. They know now they're playing one format, and I'm sure they are thinking that one format, they want India to win everywhere when they are there, and they are performing.

"So planning-wise and all, they are someone who are brilliant. They know what they need to do. They know what their body needs, not only batting, even the fitness, whatever requirements they have.

"They are thorough professionals. So I don't think they need to be told that they need to do this or that. In fact, the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players, and they do discuss," Kotak said.

Currently, both players are part of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Notably, Virat Kohli impressed in the first ODI with 93 runs off 91 balls, narrowly missing a century. Rohit Sharma scored 26 runs in the same match. 

Fans will next see them in action during the second ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium on January 14.