Kohli and Gambhir Relationship Strong, Says Batting Coach
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has put to rest rumors of a rift between star player Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir. He assured fans and reporters that both players maintain a good working relationship and are in regular communication. Kotak expressed confusion over the origins of these rumors, stating there are absolutely no issues between the two.
Speculation about their relationship intensified after Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last year. Observers noted that during a training session before India’s first ODI against England in Edgbaston, Kohli and Gambhir did not engage, leading to unfounded theories about tension between them.
However, Kotak quickly dismissed these concerns during a press conference following the second ODI match in Cardiff. He confirmed that Kohli and Gambhir had spoken numerous times throughout the game, emphasizing, “I don’t think they need a bridge.”
He added that it’s important to let Kohli focus when he’s batting, remarking that Kohli prefers to concentrate on his rhythm without too many interruptions. “Before batting, Virat asks me about certain things, but we need to let him be in his rhythm,” Kotak explained.
In the recent match, Kohli scored a respectable 65 runs off 66 balls, showing he is in good form. Despite Kohli’s performance, India could only manage a total of 233 runs, with Shreyas Iyer also contributing a fifty. Joe Root’s impressive innings of 99 not out led England to victory, leveling the ODI series.
Kotak also noted that while in the middle, Kohli was actively sharing insights about the playing conditions with Gambhir and the coaching staff, indicating his engagement and leadership during the game.
The final ODI between India and England is set to take place at Lord’s on July 19.
