India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak firmly rejected speculation of a rift between Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir after India's defeat to England in the second ODI in Cardiff. Reports had claimed that the two were not interacting during training sessions, leading to widespread rumours about tension within the dressing room. However, Kotak made it clear that there was no communication breakdown between the former India captain and the head coach. Addressing the media after the match, he laughed off the rumours and said, "No (laughs), Virat and Gautam would've spoken about 10 times today. I don't think that needs any bridge."

Kotak also explained his own conversations with Kohli during the practice sessions, saying the veteran batter had approached him with a few technical questions before going out to bat. "Basically before he went out to bat, he spoke a few things to me. Honestly as a batting coach, unless he feels something or spots something major, his batting shouldn't be disturbed and he shouldn't be told much. But he asked me certain things before regarding his footwork and after the nets, he was talking," Kotak said.

The batting coach further dismissed the ongoing speculation by adding, "Apart from that, I don't know where the rumours come from, but they do." His comments effectively put an end to the latest round of rumours surrounding Kohli and Gambhir, while reinforcing that the Indian dressing room remains united despite outside speculation.

 

"I don't think we played very badly": Sitanshu Kotak reflects on India's Cardiff defeat post second ODI match

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak admitted that England had played better cricket in the second ODI at Cardiff but maintained that India's performance was not far below its usual standards. After India posted 233 and suffered a four-wicket defeat, Kotak pointed out that the visitors failed to build enough partnerships and could not capitalise during crucial phases of the innings. He credited England for executing their plans effectively while insisting that India still had enough positives to take into the series decider at Lord's.

Reflecting on the match, Kotak said, "I don't think we played very badly. We were probably 20-25 runs short. On wickets like these, partnerships become very important." He added that the conditions demanded patience and better decision-making from the batters, while England deserved credit for maintaining pressure throughout the contest. Kotak also praised Joe Root's match-winning knock, acknowledging that the experienced batter handled the chase exceptionally well.

Despite the defeat, Kotak remained confident about India's chances in the final ODI. He stressed that one loss would not change the team's approach and backed the players to respond strongly. "The series is still alive. We have one more game to go, and the players know how to bounce back," he said. Kotak also urged the team to learn from the mistakes made in Cardiff, particularly with the bat, while focusing on delivering a complete performance in the decider. His comments reflected the management's belief that India remained capable of winning the series despite the setback.