Last Updated:October 22, 2025, 11:26 IST
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed talk of rustiness in Rohit and Kohli, saying frequent rain interruptions, not lack of game time, affected their rhythm before the 2nd ODI.
While Virat Kohli secured a duck, Rohit Sharma was out for 8 in first ODI vs Australia
The ongoing ODI series marked the much-awaited return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to competitive cricket since they retired from Tests. However, the duo couldn’t leave an impact when India took on Australia in the series opener in Perth on Sunday. While Rohit, opening the innings with Shubman Gill, scored just 8 off 14, Kohli fell for an 8-ball duck – his first zero in ODIs Down Under. Moreover, persistent rain made it difficult for India to put up a daunting total as they lost the game by 7 wickets.
Much has been said about the limited game time Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have had before their professional return, but batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes frequent rain interruptions prevented them from finding their rhythm.
Speaking to the media ahead of the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, Kotak dismissed any talk of rustiness in the senior duo’s performances.
“I don’t think so,” Kotak said.
“They played IPL, and the preparations have been very good. Like I said, it’s more I felt the weather first game definitely because I think it would have been the same if Australia had batted.”
“When you don’t know how many overs you are going to bat and it’s not easy to plan every like four or five breaks we had, every two overs you are going in, coming out, it’s difficult,” he added.
Kotak further stated that both Rohit and Kohli looked in good touch when they ground in the nets ahead of the second fixture against Mitchell Marsh-led Australia.
“I think they both looked in very good touch to me. They really batted well yesterday,” Kotak said.
Asked if the team management was in touch with Rohit and Kohli during their long break from the national team after the Champions Trophy triumph in March, Kotak answered in the affirmative.
“We were very much aware of what preparations they were making 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.
“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.
Aakash Biswas
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
First Published:
October 22, 2025, 10:01 IST
News cricket India Coach Opens Up On Rohit, Kohli’s Failure In Perth: ‘When You Don’t Know How…’Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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