India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said there is no need to discuss Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future, hinting they could remain part of plans for the 2027 World Cup.
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now playing only ODIs, discussions have already begun about their role in the 2027 World Cup. However, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak urged the fans to avoid long-term speculation and focus on the present. He stressed that Kohli’s form, fitness and consistency leave no reason to question his future in the side.
Kotak then added that senior players like Kohli and Rohit continue to guide the group with their experience and maintain high standards through important partnerships, such as the one that helped India reach 349 in Ranchi. India went on to win the match by 17 runs, and Kotak said the team values the contributions of its seasoned batters without looking too far ahead.
“I don’t know why we need to look at all this – he’s really batting well, and I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future. Just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant. The way he’s performing, [and] his fitness – there are no questions about anything. I feel such things [the 2027 World Cup] shouldn’t even be spoken about after the way he plays and performs. That is something which is two years away. There’s no point talking about all this. For us, once the team arrives and we start practice, we just enjoy,” Kotak said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“Obviously, they do share their experience with others. I don’t think we’re talking anything about the 2027 World Cup. They are just brilliant, and they are performing. They are contributing to the team, which is a great thing for us,” he continued.
“They are such experienced players; it’s always great to have them. The way they bat – like today also, that partnership – it makes a huge difference. Obviously, they batted really well,” Kotak concluded.
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Both now play only the 50-over format, yet remain in strong form. The pair extended their run of vital partnerships, adding 136 runs in the first ODI against South Africa after an unbeaten 168-run stand against Australia in Sydney. Kohli backed up his 74* in Sydney with a superb 135 in Ranchi, while Rohit followed his 121* against Australia with a fluent 57.
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