Follow UsIndia’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed confidence that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will bounce back after a forgettable first ODI against Australia in Perth.
Returning to international cricket for the first time since March, Rohit managed just 8 runs off 14 balls before falling to Josh Hazlewood in the fourth over, while Kohli was dismissed for an 8-ball duck.
Kotak, however, emphasised the experience of both players and their ability to manage themselves. “See, we are very much aware of what preparations they are doing, what their fitness status is,” Kotak said ahead of the second ODI in Adelaide, as reported by Hindustan Times.
“They also go to the National Cricket Academy. What they are doing there, their videos… obviously, I would have [watched them]. But not always, to be very honest.
“You have to find the time to intervene. I am a big believer in that. With such senior players, you don't want to intervene if it's not required. If they are doing things right and you're still trying to get involved, it may not be the right thing to do always.”
India struggled on a rain-affected, seamer-friendly track, posting 136/9 in 26 overs before Australia comfortably chased down the target to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Kotak also highlighted the role of conditions in the first match and praised the preparation of the senior stars:
“They (Kohli and Rohit) 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. I think they both looked in very good touch to me. They really batted well yesterday.”