Indian Batting Coach Discusses Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Preparation for Upcoming ODI
Preparations for the Second ODI Against New Zealand
Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], January 13: As India gears up for their second ODI against New Zealand on Tuesday, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shared insights on the preparations undertaken by senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He highlighted their discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir regarding the format, their match experiences, and the team's strategies as they aim for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.
With Team India on its 'Mission 2027' in Rajkot, all eyes are on the duo affectionately known as 'Ro-Ko'. Their appearances in ODIs are celebrated events for the team, especially given the limited number of ODIs played recently, leading to ongoing speculation about their future, considering both players are in their late 30s.
“Their extensive experience is invaluable; they meticulously plan and often practice at various venues. If necessary, they arrive a few days early to train. Being focused on just one format, they are determined to secure victories for the Indian team. Their professionalism extends beyond batting to include fitness and preparation,” Kotak remarked.
He further noted, “They frequently consult with Gautam about the ODIs, upcoming matches, and strategies for the World Cup in South Africa. Their shared experiences foster a positive environment.”
Despite facing significant scrutiny, the 'Ro-Ko' duo has excelled. Last year, they were India's leading run-scorers in ODIs, with Virat accumulating 651 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 65.10, including three centuries and four fifties, with a top score of 135. Rohit closely followed with 650 runs in 14 innings, averaging 50.00 and boasting a strike rate exceeding 100, featuring two centuries and four fifties, with a best of 121*.
In their first ODIs of the current year, Rohit and Virat scored 26 and 93 runs, respectively, in a challenging chase of 301 runs. Prior to this match, they participated in a couple of Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) games, where Virat scored 131 and 77 for Delhi, while Rohit made 155* in one match, followed by a duck in another.
Squads:
India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Ayush Badoni, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(w), Michael Bracewell(c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Jayden Lennox, Nick Kelly, Josh Clarkson, Michael Rae.