Bengaluru, Jan 13 (.) India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Tuesday said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain actively involved in the team’s long-term plans for One-Day Internationals, including preparations for next year’s World Cup.
“They definitely make plans. Now that they’re playing only one format, they want India to win everywhere when they are there. With the amount of experience they have, they can share [Gambhir] lot of ideas with other players, and they do discuss. They discuss with Gautam [Gambhir] the ODI format, the matches that we have and our plans for South Africa,” Kotak told reporters on the eve of India’s second ODI against New Zealand.
Kotak added that the duo’s collaboration with the new coaching setup has been closely observed, especially after India’s struggles in Tests and their shift away from red-ball cricket before last year’s England tour.
The coach also said India would need a revised batting template for ODIs after the T20 World Cup in March, considering the new one-ball rule after the 34th over, under which bowling sides must continue with a single ball from overs 35 to 50.
“It’s still a huge difference between T20Is and ODIs. More or less every game is going over 300, particularly in India. We see more 300-plus scores and then, at times, you’re chasing as well. After the T20 World Cup, I think there’ll definitely be more ODIs. We’ll have to set up one template as to how we play after this new rule,” Kotak said.
On Delhi all-rounder Ayush Badoni’s maiden call-up as a replacement for Washington Sundar, Kotak highlighted his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
“He’s been performing, and it’s the selectors who pick the team. If we had only five bowlers and Washington got injured on the fourth or fifth over, then who would have bowled those overs? Somebody should be able to bowl four-five or even three-four overs, whatever the situation requires. That’s why he was selected, and he has scored runs and can bowl. He’s been performing in IPL also,” Kotak said.
Kotak dismissed concerns over Badoni’s limited returns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, stressing that no batter should be judged on a couple of innings in the context of modern high-scoring ODIs. He confirmed that Nitish Reddy will also feature as India’s second all-rounder.
Regarding Ravindra Jadeja, Kotak said the player is fit and performing, adding that any player who enjoys the game and contributes to the team naturally wants to play for India.
India is expected to finalise the playing XI for the second ODI.
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