NEW DELHI: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes speculation over Virat Kohli’s ODI future “should not exist” given the batter’s current fitness, form, and the influence he continues to exert in 50-over cricket.

Ahead of the three-match series, a few ‘ifs and buts’ had emerged around the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, since both Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently single-format players. Questions arose over whether the two stalwarts are central to head coach Gautam Gambhir’s long-term plans.

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Leading with a note of exasperation, Kotak said he could not understand why Kohli’s place or longevity was being debated at all.

"I really don’t know why actually we need to look at all this,” Kotak said after India’s close 17-run win in the first ODI against South Africa here on Sunday.

"He’s batting so well. Why do we need to talk about his future? The way he’s performing, the way his fitness is — there are no questions about anything.”

Senior experience and match context

Kotak stressed that clarity on roles, real-time learning, and guidance from senior players matter far more than long-term projections, insisting Kohli remains indispensable.

"He’s just brilliant, man. As long as he keeps batting like this, there is no point talking about anything else.”

He added that neither the players nor the management are thinking as far ahead as the 2027 World Cup.

"I feel these things shouldn’t happen. They (Ro-Ko) are brilliant, they are performing, and they are contributing to the team. For us, once the team comes and practice starts, we just enjoy. I don’t even think we are talking anything about the 2027 World Cup.”

Kotak said Kohli’s century on Sunday — the 52nd of his ODI career — was a testament to his class and ability to shoulder responsibility.

"It was an outstanding knock. He batted really well, took responsibility and showed again why he is such an exceptional player,” Kotak said.

Regarding Kohli’s minor back discomfort, he confirmed: "As much as I know, he’s fine."

The coach also highlighted the value of having both Rohit Sharma and Kohli back in the XI after the Test series defeat.

"They are such experienced players. The way they bat, the partnerships they build — like today (Sunday) — it makes a huge difference. They share their experience with the younger players, and that itself is a big advantage.”

Dew factor and Harshit’s early strikes

Reflecting on the match, Kotak noted that heavy dew made batting easier for South Africa in the second innings.

"With so much dew, the bowler can't keep the ball in his hand. It skids and comes straight to the bat. If South Africa had batted second on the same surface, then 350 would definitely have been enough,” he said.

He reserved special praise for left-arm pacer Harshit Rana, whose early strikes prevented South Africa from taking control.

"A lot of credit to Harshit for taking the early wickets. He was moving the ball well, hitting the right areas. With a Kookaburra ball, you get swing only for the first 2 to 5 overs, and he made the most of it. Otherwise, chasing would have been very easy for them with so much dew."

(With PTI Inputs)