Sitanshu Kotak dismisses rumours of rift between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli

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India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has denied reports about a breakdown in communication between head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli, insisting that the two talk to each other ’10 times a day.’

The denial comes amid growing speculation that the head coach and the star batsman have not been on speaking terms during training sessions. Rumours even surfaced suggesting that the BCCI had been advised to bring in a mediator to facilitate a meeting so the duo could resolve their alleged differences.

People noted that the pair did not seem to interact during the team’s practice runs in Birmingham and Cardiff. Instead, Kohli was spotted engaging in a lengthy conversation with Kotak following a recent net session. When asked if he was acting as a designated intermediary between the two, the former Saurashtra left-hander laughed off the suggestion.

“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir speak to each other at least 10 times a day. I don’t think he (Kohli) needs a bridge to communicate with the head coach,” Kotak claimed.

“You asked about communication. I don’t know where you hear these things, but these are rumours,” he further added.

Kotak backs Virat Kohli to get back to his best

Kotak reiterated his predecessor Abhishek Nayar‘s recent remark that unless the legend himself looks for advice on his batting, one should give him none.

“When Virat goes out to bat, what I have felt as a batting coach is that if he doesn’t ask for inputs or there is something major that warrants attention, there is no point in disturbing him. You shouldn’t give him unsolicited advice,” he said.

However, the coach noted that he provides his perspective whenever the legendary batsman brings up specific technical questions.

“The discussion is mostly around his footwork, certain things he told me before the session started (pre-match nets in Cardiff) and after nets, he was talking,” Kotak said, referring to his chat during the team’s net session at Sophia Gardens on the eve of the second ODI against England.

India will face England in the deciding ODI at Lord’s on Sunday.

(With inputs from ANI)

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