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New Delhi: Given his form, fitness and overall impact, speculations over Virat Kohli’s future in ODIs shouldn’t exist yet they persist, which perplexes and exasperates India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak in equal measure.
Kohli slammed his 52nd ODI ton and 83rd international century to shape India’s 17-run win over South Africa in the first match of a three-game series in Ranchi on Sunday.
It muted those 'ifs and buts' that had emerged in the run-up to the series regarding Kohli’s position in the Indian team for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli and Rohit now play in only one format, which has raised questions over their place in head coach Gautam Gambhir’s future plans.
It has left Kotak bemused, and frequently being asked about their future in the team.
"I really don’t know why actually we need to look at all this,” Kotak said after India’s close margin victory.
"He’s batting so well. Why do we need to talk about his future? The way he’s performing, the way his fitness is — there are no questions about anything.”
Kotak said the team management hasn’t even begun discussions for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa let alone mull about presence of the senior pros.
In this context, experience of Kohli and sharing it with team-mates is far more important than long-term planning.
"He’s just brilliant, man. As long as he keeps batting like this, there is no point talking about anything else. I feel these things shouldn’t happen,” Kotak said.
“They (Ro-Ko) are brilliant, they are performing, and they are contributing to the team. For us, once the team comes and practice starts, we just enjoy. I don’t even think we are talking anything about the 2027 World Cup.”
Kohli’s 52nd ODI ton, the most by any batter in any format, not only showcases his pedigree but also ability to shoulder responsibility of leading the batting line-up and presence of he and Rohit boosts morale of the team.
“It was an outstanding knock. He batted really well, took responsibility and showed again why he is such an exceptional player,” Kotak said.
"They are such experienced players. The way they bat, the partnerships they build — like today (Sunday) — it makes a huge difference. They share their experience with the younger players, and that itself is a big advantage.”
