 "Team India coach refused to talk about Virat Kohli’s future after his brilliant century in Ranchi. Image: PTI")
The statement from Team India management after Virat Kohli’s sublime century in the first ODI against South Africa at Ranchi on Sunday should put to rest the rumours around the star batter’s future, at least for now. The 37-year-old Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, turned back the clock at the JSCA International Stadium as India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI.
Returning to Team India colours after over a month, Kohli smashed a record-extending 52nd ODI century , scoring 135 off just 120 balls. He hit seven sixes and 11 fours during his ‘Player of the Match’ knock. And celebrated his 83rd international hundred with a massive leap in the air.
Kohli’s iconic celebration and memorable innings have reaffirmed his commitment to the team and the dreams of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli had earlier this year confirmed that he wants to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup .
Team India not worried about Kohli
But his retirement from Test cricket, growing age and fears over his match-fitness had raised doubts that he could be phased out of the ODI team. Those fears were put to bed by India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, at least for now, on Sunday, as he hailed the right-handed batter.
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Sitanshu Kotak said that there was no need to talk about Kohli’s ODI future as the player has once again underlined his ability and commitment.
“I don’t know why we need to look at all this. He’s really batting well. I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future,” Kotak said at the post-match press conference. “It’s just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant, man. I wouldn’t really. The way he’s performing, the way he maintains his fitness, there are no questions about anything.”
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View All“It was an outstanding knock, obviously. He batted really well, not just in the one-day format but all the formats he has done well. This was the 52nd ODI hundred he got, so he’s a thoroughly outstanding player, and he took responsibility, and the way he batted was very good,” Kotak added.
Also Read | Kohli’s leap of faith: How a little change in approach took the ODI GOAT to century No 52
While Kotak has refused to entertain anything on Kohli’s future, the BCCI has reportedly summoned selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir for a meeting in Ahmedabad next week to decide the roadmap for Rohit Sharma and Kohli in ODIs.
It will be interesting to see the outcome of that meeting and it will give us a better idea of what the management is planning regarding the legendary duo.