“No questions about anything” - Team India batting coach opens up on Virat Kohli’s ODI future

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has heaped praise on the Indian talismanic No.3 ODI batter Virat Kohli, who went on to score his 83rd international century against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series, on Sunday, November 30.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Kotak has opened up on Kohli’s exceptional 135-run knock, adding that there are no questions about anything regarding his future in this particular format. 

"It was an outstanding knock, obviously. He batted really well. He is a thoroughly outstanding player, and he took responsibility, and the way he batted was very good. I think back is okay (question on physios checking on his back). I mean, as much as I know, he is fine. I do not know why we actually need to look at all this (Talks on Virat's future). The way he's batting, he's just brilliant, man. I wouldn't really. The way he is performing, the way his fitness is, there are no questions about anything,” Sitanshu Kotak said in the post-match press conference. 

After losing the toss, India was tasked to bat first. Rohit Sharma went on to score 57 runs in 51 balls with five fours and three sixes. Kohli, batting at No.3, smacked 135 runs in 120 balls with 11 fours and seven sixes. At No.6, stand-in captain, KL Rahul, scored 60 runs in 56 balls with two fours and three sixes as India posted 349/8 in 50 overs.

In response, South Africa got bundled out for 332 runs in 49.2 overs. Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67) played valuable knocks, but couldn't take their side over the line. Virat Kohli was adjudged the player of the match for his heroic knock.

"After so much dew, the bowlers cannot keep the ball in their hands properly, and it skids from the wicket. A lot of credit goes to Harshit for taking early wickets because otherwise, it would have been easy for batters to score runs in such dew," he added.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!