Rohit, Kohli actively involved in planning, says Sitanshu Kotak

Sitanshu Kotak has claimed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli share and exchange ideas with the team management, particularly head coach Gautam Gambhir, and are actively involved in planning for the future. "They discuss with Gautam (Gambhir)," the batting coach told the media, categorically denying any lack of communication between the head coach and the senior pros.

Kotak's assertion, made on the eve of the second ODI between India and New Zealand in Rajkot, also indicates that Rohit and Kohli have discussed the tour of South Africa, where the next World Cup will be played 22 months from now. Kotak has revealed that he himself is privy to the discussions and the planning involved.

"They discuss with Gautam about the ODI format, about the matches we have, and about our plans going to South Africa. Most of the time I'm there, and whenever I'm listening, they definitely share their experience. I always see them talking," Kotak, who is a senior member of the Indian team management, has stated.

Kotak also addressed a question about the alignment of ideas between the two seniors and the team management's plans, considering that the former India captains play only one format and join the team setup after long gaps. In particular, there have been suggestions that Kohli and Gambhir do not speak to each other - a perception Kotak dismissed. "Obviously, on social media, you see a lot of things, which I try to avoid seeing," he noted.

The head coach's equation with Rohit and Kohli, particularly the latter, has been widely discussed in the media and on social media, given the history the two shared. Both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket in circumstances about which there has not been much clarity.

Asked if there is communication with the two from the team management, Kotak remarked, "See, both of them are so senior and so experienced. They definitely make plans. They want to practice at all the venues.

"If they feel they need to, they'll go a couple of days in advance. And they practise because they both also been such an outstanding players for India. They know now they're playing one format and I'm sure they are thinking that one format, they want India to win everywhere when they are there and they are performing.

"So planning-wise and all, they are someone who are brilliant. They know what they need to do. They know what their body needs, not only betting, even the fitness, whatever requirements they have.

"They are thorough professionals. So I don't think they need to be told that they need to do this or that. In fact, the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players and they do discuss."

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