India Batting Coach Dismisses Rift Claims Between Gambhir, Rohit, and Kohli

India batting coach Vikram Rathour Kotak has dismissed rumours of a rift between Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, stating that the senior players remain closely involved.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has played down reports of friction involving senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma with head coach Gautam Gambhir. He said regular communication and planning continue within the leadership group.

Kotak clarified that both senior players remain closely involved in discussions around tactics and scheduling. He noted frequent exchanges on match plans and long-term preparation for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

“They [Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli] discuss with Gautam about the ODI format, about the matches we have, and about our plans going to South Africa [for the 2027 World Cup]. Most of the time I’m there, and whenever I’m listening, they definitely share their experience. I always see them talking,” Kotak said.

“If they feel they need to, they’ll go a couple of days in advance. And they practise because they 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,” he added.

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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now feature only in ODIs after stepping away from Tests and T20Is. Kotak explained that the duo follows personalised routines for batting and fitness.

“So planning-wise and all, they are someone who is 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, India gained an early advantage in the ODI series against New Zealand with a strong win in the opening match. The team now targets a series win in the second ODI at Rajkot.