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"No questions": IND batting coach dismisses uncertainty about Virat Kohli's ODI future

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat Kohli and Sitanshu Kotak [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]Virat Kohli and Sitanshu Kotak [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

Virat Kohli silenced any questions about his long-term future with a magnificent century at Ranchi's JSCA Stadium, and before the match, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed any possibility of his retirement talks in the near future. 

Virat Kohli's innings, which led India to a strong total, firmly supported the belief that he remains a key player for the team heading into the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Kotak affirms Virat Kohli's ODI cricket future

Speaking during the pre-match presser, India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, was full of praise for the legend. He hailed Virat Kohli's outstanding innings and his responsible approach at the crease. 

"It was an outstanding knock, obviously. he batted really well. He is a thoroughly outstanding player, and he took responsibility, and the way he batted was very good. I think back is okay (question on physios checking on his back). I mean, as much as I know, he is fine. I do not know why we actually need to look at all this (Talks on Virat's future). The way he's batting, he's just brilliant, man. I wouldn't really. The way he is performing, the way his fitness is, there are no questions about anything," Kotak said.

The coach extended this feeling to include both Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma. He stated that the team simply enjoys having them around during practice, noting that both veterans are performing well and sharing their valuable experience with the younger players.

Notably, there is going to be a BCCI meeting arranged for the management and the players ahead of the 2nd ODI on December 3 to get a clear roadmap on communication and lineup resolutions. Though it is not clear yet, it might be the final word on Kohli and Rohit's future in Indian ODI cricket as well.

India demolish Proteas at Ranchi in 1st ODI

Nevertheless, in the match, batting first after South Africa put them in, India posted a strong 349/8. This was built on a great 136-run stand between Rohit Sharma (57) and Virat Kohli, followed by solid contributions from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.

In reply, South Africa's chase was initially derailed by early wickets from Indian pacers. However, fighting half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (80), and Corbin Bosch (67) brought them close, but they ultimately fell short by 17 runs.