'You don't want to intervene...': India batting coach on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak backed senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their struggles in the first ODI against Australia. Kotak cited their IPL experience and strong preparation, dismissing concerns about rustiness. He also highlighted the impact of rain interruptions on the team's batting performance.

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed confidence in senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli despite their poor performance in the first ODI against Australia in Perth, where India lost by seven wickets. Speaking in Adelaide on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's second match, Kotak dismissed concerns about their form, citing their IPL experience and thorough preparation. India's defeat in the rain-affected first ODI saw the match reduced to 26 overs per side, with Rohit managing only eight runs while Kohli was dismissed for a duck.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I don't think there was any rustiness. They played the IPL, and their preparation has been very good. I think both of them have a lot of experience. Even before coming to Australia, their preparations were very good. So I think it's too early to even think like that," Kotak said. The batting coach emphasised the duo's current form based on their practice sessions. "They both look in very good touch to me. They batted really well yesterday. Every net session, their approach has been excellent," he added. The team management maintained contact with Rohit and Kohli during their break from national duty after the Champions Trophy victory in March. "We were very much aware of what preparations they were doing and their fitness status. They sometimes go to the National Cricket Academy. We get updates and videos from there, what they're doing, their practice routines, fitness work," Kotak explained. He also addressed the management's approach to handling senior players. "But not always, to be very honest. You need to find the right time to intervene. With such senior players, you don't want to intervene if it's not required. If they are doing things right and you still try to get involved, it may not be the right thing to do always," he said. The frequent rain interruptions in Perth affected the team's batting performance. "I think it would have been the same if Australia had batted first. When you don't know how many overs you're going to bat, it's not easy to plan with four or five rain breaks. Going in and out every few overs, it's difficult. I think it was more about weather, to be very honest. In the last game, obviously, we lost a couple of wickets early, but I'm not really thinking too much about it," Kotak stated. The absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya due to a left quadriceps injury has created opportunities for others. "Someone like Hardik is always a big loss. But if we look at the positive side, Nitish is getting some game time and we're trying to groom him. Every team needs an all-rounder, and we're trying to develop him in that role. So it's a good preparation in that way. But yes, any team would miss a player like Hardik," Kotak said. He further emphasised the positive aspect of Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion. "In a way, if we look at in hindsight, it's a positive that Nitish is getting match time at this level," he added. Regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal's absence from the playing eleven, Kotak provided clarity. "He practices well, and they all know their turn will come. End of the day, only 11 can play, so you have to wait for your turn and then perform," he concluded.

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