'No questions about anything': Batting coach on Virat Kohli's future
India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, lauded Virat Kohli for his recent century, saying there is "no question about anything" regarding his long-term future. Kohli's stellar performance against South Africa in the 1st ODI at Ranchi's JSCA Stadium has further silenced any doubts over his place in the team. During the post-match press conference, Kotak said there is no question over Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future with the team.
Kotak praises Kohli's responsibility and performance
Kotak praised Kohli for his outstanding performance, saying he "batted really well." He described Kohli as a "thoroughly outstanding player" who took responsibility on the field. The coach also said that he doesn't see any reason to question Kohli's future with the team, given his current form and fitness levels. In Ranchi, Kohli slammed a record-extending 52nd ODI century. He hammered a 120-ball 135.
Kotak addresses fitness concerns and future talks
Kotak also addressed concerns about Kohli's fitness, saying he is fine as far as he knows. He added that the team just enjoys their practice sessions together, and both Kohli and Rohit are still performing well. The coach also praised young pacer Harshit Rana for providing successive breakthroughs in the first powerplay against South Africa in Ranchi.
India win after posting 349/8 in 50 overs
In the recent match, India chose to bat first against South Africa. Despite a promising start from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 18 runs off 16 balls, Rohit and Kohli put on a brilliant second-wicket partnership of 136 runs. However, India lost some momentum in the middle overs with quick wickets falling. Captain KL Rahul took charge thereafter and powered India to 349/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Kohli attains these feats in Ranchi
Kohli raced to his 52nd century in ODI cricket. No other batter has more than 50 centuries in the format. Earlier in the match, Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in India-SA ODIs. According to Cricbuzz, Kohli now has the most centuries against South Africa in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar and David Warner (5 each). Kohli slammed 7 sixes, his joint second-most in an ODI innings, with 100* against Australia in 2013.