Split between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir? The Indian coach gave a blunt reply that ‘no need for a bridge’ to the speculation | Cricket News
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed speculation of a split Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhirsaid that the communication between the two is regular and there is no issue in their working relationship.Rumors about Kohli and Gambhir’s equation gained momentum on social media after visuals from India’s training sessions during the ODI series against England showed the two not interacting. Speculation has been rife ever since Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last year.Ahead of the first ODI at Edgbaston, Kohli was seen hitting the nets while Gambhir watched from nearby without speaking to him. Kotak, on the other hand, was seen talking to the former Indian captain, adding to the online discussion.However, Kotak clarified that there was nothing unusual about the situation and laughed off suggestions that someone should act as a bridge between the two.“No (laughs), Virat and Gautam would have spoken about 10 times now. I don’t think that should be any bridge,” said Kotak.He also explained what he and Kohli discussed during the practice session before the opening ODI.“Basically before he came out to bat, he said a few things to me. Actually as a batting coach, unless he has a feeling or something big, his batting should not be disturbed and he should not be told much. [to me].“Other than that, I don’t know where the rumors are coming from, but they know,” Kotak said.Also backed by Kotak Rohit Sharmawho are struggling for runs in the ongoing ODI series against England.Rohit’s woes continued in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday, where England won by four wickets to level the three-match series 1-1. The opener managed just 10 runs off 18 balls in the Powerplay despite India reaching 61/1, before being dismissed for 26 off 47 balls while attempting a sweep against Will Jacks.Rohit has not enjoyed the best run in ODIs this year. In eight matches, he scored just one half-century and averaged 30.12. With speculation over whether selectors could move on from the former India captain ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kotak was asked if Rohit’s place would be reviewed after Sunday’s series decider at Lord’s.The batting coach said there was no pressure on the veteran opener.“I don’t think a player as big as Rohit can feel the pressure,” Kotak said after the Cardiff match.“He’s a very good player to feel that. Yes he didn’t score in two games. I don’t think that makes a difference. [that he didn’t get a big score].”
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