Cardiff, July 18: Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed speculation about a rift between head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batter Virat Kohli, describing reports of a communication breakdown as “completely baseless.
“Speaking to the media, Kotak said Gambhir and Kohli maintain regular communication despite not always being seen together during training sessions.”
People may not always see them talking on the field, but they speak around 10 times a day,” Kotak said, rejecting rumours that the two have stopped interacting.
Recent reports had suggested that Kohli and Gambhir had not been on speaking terms for some time and claimed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might step in to help resolve their differences.
Kotak, however, denied the claims and said there was no reason to believe such speculation.
The rumours gained momentum after Kohli and Gambhir were rarely seen interacting during practice sessions in Birmingham and Cardiff.
Kotak said public observations should not be interpreted as evidence of strained relations, adding that the two continue to communicate regularly as part of the team’s preparations.
Kotak also spoke about Kohli’s approach to batting, saying the experienced batter does not always seek advice from the coaching staff before going out to bat.
“He knows his game well. If he does not ask for advice or there is nothing significant that needs attention, there is no need to disturb him,” Kotak said.
The clarification comes as India continue their preparations, with the coaching staff seeking to put an end to speculation surrounding the relationship between Gambhir and Kohli.
