Is there a rift between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir? India coach speaks out on speculation, ‘No bridge needed’ Cricket News
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismisses speculations of rift between India and India Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam GambhirHe also said that the two communicate regularly and there are no problems in their working relationship.Rumors about the Kohli and Gambhir equation spread on social media after a training video during India’s ODI series against England showed the two not interacting. The speculation has been going on ever since Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last year.Before the first ODI at Edgbaston, Kohli was seen batting in the nets while Gambhir watched from close range but did not speak to him. Meanwhile, Kotak was spotted chatting with the former India captain, adding to the buzz online.Kotak, however, made it clear that there was nothing unusual about the situation and laughed off the suggestion that someone needed to act as a bridge between the two.“No (laughs), Virat and Gautam will talk about 10 times today. I don’t think any bridge is needed,” Kotak said.He also explained what he and Kohli discussed during the practice session before the opening ODI.“Basically, before he went out to bat, he said something to me. Honestly, as a hitting coach, unless he feels something or notices something major, his batting shouldn’t be disturbed and he shouldn’t be told too much. But he asked me something before about his footwork, and after the nets, he said [to me].“Other than that, I don’t know where the rumors came from, but they do,” Kotak said.Kotak also supports Rohit SharmaHe has been struggling with his run-taking performances in the ongoing ODI series against England.Rohit’s woes continued in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday as England won by 4 wickets to level the three-match series 1-1. Despite being 61/1, India scored just 10 runs off 18 balls in the Powerplay before being bowled out for 26 off 47 balls while trying to sweep Will Jacks.Rohit has not had the best form in ODIs this year. In eight games, he only scored half a goal and averaged 30.12 points per game. Amid speculation over whether the former India skipper’s selection will be dropped ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kotak was asked if Rohit’s position would be under review 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 big-name player like Rohit can feel the pressure,” Kotak said after the Cardiff game.“He’s too good of a player to feel that way. Yes, he didn’t score in both games. I don’t think it makes a difference. But today it looked like he was going to have a good innings, but that’s OK [that he didn’t get a big score]”.
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