‘Don’t jump the gun on Rohit and Kohli’: Kotak quashes form doubts ahead of Adelaide ODI against Australia

India batting coach backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. (AFP Image)

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that even though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not perform well in the first One-Day International of the three-match series against Australia, they did not appear to be rusty. Speaking in Adelaide prior to the series' second game, Kotak stressed that neither player should to be judged on the basis of a single bad day because they had both prepared hard for the series.

The comeback of former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket was a forgettable one. The duo did not stay at the crease for long after returning to the national squad following a seven-month hiatus. Off a rising delivery from Josh Hazlewood, Rohit was caught at second slip, and Virat Kohli edged the ball to point against Mitchell Starc.

Despite the dismal performance, Kotak said that the weather was mostly to blame for India's problems because the batters were unable to maintain rhythm and tempo at the crease due to the sporadic rain.

When asked if Rohit and Kohli appeared rusty, Kotak said, “I don’t think so. They played the IPL. The preparation has been very good. I think it was the weather. It would have been the same if Australia had come out to bat. It is not easy when there are four or five interruptions and every two overs you are going in and coming back out.”

In response to a question about whether the two needed direction from the batting coach, Kotak stated that he thought the coach should only get involved when it was absolutely necessary. He clarified that it's crucial to have patience and refrain from interfering too early with veterans who have been playing the game at the highest level for more than ten years.

“Both of them are very experienced. Before coming to Australia, they had proper preparation. I think it’s too early to judge them. They just retired from Test cricket. Coming into the series, we were aware of their fitness levels and the preparation work they had been doing. We had access to their videos from the NCA. With such senior players, you do not need to step in right away if you see they are doing the right things. If you try to get involved too much, that might not be the best approach,” Kotak said.

“Both Virat and Rohit looked in good touch. They batted well in the nets yesterday. I believe they’re doing well, to be honest,” he added.

After losing to Mitchell Marsh's squad by seven wickets, India trail the ODI series 0-1. On Tuesday, the Indian team enjoyed a productive net session, with Virat and Rohit batting for almost an hour. Kotak reaffirmed that both players were focused throughout practice, which is good news for Indian supporters in Adelaide.