Team India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasized that the 2027 ODI World Cup is still far off, giving the team ample time to evaluate their options, particularly concerning Virat Kohli’s future. The star batter underlined his enduring class by scoring a match-winning 135 in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.
After a mixed comeback series in Australia, Kohli looked in sublime touch as India were sent in to bat in the series opener. He attacked the pacers in the powerplay, then calmly anchored the innings, laying the foundation for India to post a massive 349-8.
With this knock, Kohli notched his 52nd ODI century, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 51 hundreds in a single format, further cementing his place among cricket’s all-time greats. Sitanshu Kotak dismissed rumors about Virat Kohli’s future and clarified that the 2027 ODI World Cup is not a current concern for the team.
“In my opinion, there should be no such talks. Talking about things that are two years away, I don’t think there is any point talking about such things. I don’t think we are even talking about the 2027 World Cup. They (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) are contributing, which is great for the team,” the assistant coach said during the post-match press conference (via BCCI).
“I don’t know why do we need to look at all this. He (Kohli) is batting really well. I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future. Just the way he is batting, he is just brilliant. The way he is performing, the way his fitness is, there are no questions about anything,” Kotak added.
“He led from the front” – Kotak lauds Virat Kohli’s 135 vs SA
Virat Kohli was tasked with capitalizing on a firm batting pitch and adding crucial runs to counter the dew in the second innings. He stepped in early after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal and quickly took charge. The experienced batter immediately dictated the pace, pressuring the South African bowlers while forming an important second-wicket partnership with Rohit Sharma.
“It was an outstanding knock, obviously, he batted really well. He is, in the one day format, and all the other formats, he is a thoroughly outstanding player. He took responsibility, and the way he batted was really good. They are both experienced players, it is always great to have them. And the way they bat, today also, they got that partnership, all of it makes a huge difference,” Sitanshu Kotak said.
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