IND vs NZ 2026: ‘They discuss everything with Gautam Gambhir’ - Sitanshu Kotak clears air on Ro-Ko communication with head coach

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed rumours of any miscommunication between the team management and senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasising that there is regular and transparent communication with both stalwarts.

Speculation about a rift began after Rohit and Kohli retired from Test cricket and Shubman Gill was appointed India’s ODI captain, replacing Rohit. Reports had also suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) convened a meeting during the South Africa series to address alleged communication gaps between senior players and the selectors. However, Kotak clarified that there is no discord and stressed that the team management and senior players are fully aligned.

“They discuss with Gautam (Gambhir) about ODI formats, about the matches we have, and our plans going (ahead) to South Africa (World Cup in 2027). Most of the time I’m there and if I’m listening. They definitely share the experience and I always see them talking. Obviously, in social media, you see a lot of things which I try to avoid seeing,” said Kotak as quoted by The Indian Express.

“They are thorough professionals. So I don’t think they need to be saying they need to do this or that. In fact, the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players and they do discuss,” he added.

Kotak revealed that both Rohit and Kohli have discussed their future plans with head coach Gambhir. However, the team management has chosen not to make any public statements regarding the duo’s future, while the selection committee is also not rushing into any decisions.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their long-term roles, both players have been in exceptional form. Since the South Africa series, Kohli has registered two centuries along with three scores of fifty or more. Rohit, meanwhile, has been in sublime touch since the Australia series, scoring three half-centuries and a century.

“See, both of them are so senior and so experienced. They definitely make plans. They want to practice at all the venues. If they feel they need to, they’ll go a couple of days in advance. They practice because they both also have been such outstanding players for India. Planning-wise and all, they are brilliant. They know what they need to do. They know what their body needs, not only batting, even fitness, whatever requirements they have,” said Kotak.