They are brilliant, they’re performing: Batting coach Kotak says ‘there’s no point talking’ about Ro-Ko’s future

In Ranchi, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed confusion over the chatter that’s been swirling around Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s longevity in ODIs, pointing out that their recent displays make such debate feel unnecessary.

Kohli proved why the criticism is misplaced with a glorious 135 off 120, his 52nd ODI hundred, as India clinched a 17‑run win in the first match of a three‑game series against South Africa.

He shared a 136‑run stand with former skipper Rohit Sharma, who added 57, and marked a return to the 50‑over form that’s eluded him since the unbeaten century against Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy in February.

Despite the applause for Kohli’s 83rd international hundred, pundits have begun questioning whether he and Rohit will still be there for the next ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027, scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Kotak dismissed all of that, saying there’s “no point talking about all this” given the many international fixtures still to come before the 2027 World Cup. He urged fans to simply enjoy Kohli’s current brilliance.

“I don’t know why we need to look at all this – he’s (Kohli) really batting well, and I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future,” Kotak said in a post‑match press conference. “Just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant. The way he’s performing and his fitness – there are no questions about anything.”

“I feel such things (the 2027 World Cup) shouldn’t even be spoken about after the way he plays and performs. That is something which is two years away. There’s no point talking about all this. For us, once the team arrives and we start practice, we just enjoy,” he added.

The pair, who led India in the previous ODI series in Australia, combined again in Ranchi to forge a match‑winning partnership. Yet doubts linger about whether the 37‑year‑old Kohli and 38‑year‑old Rohit can sustain their form and fitness for the 50‑over World Cup two years out.

“Obviously, they do share their experience with others. I don’t think we’re talking anything about the 2027 World Cup. They are just brilliant, and they are performing. They are contributing to the team, which is a great thing for us,” Kotak said.

“They are such experienced players; it’s always great to have them. The way they bat – like today also, that partnership – it makes a huge difference. Obviously, they batted really well,” he concluded.

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