Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has played down rumours of friction between head coach Gautam Gambhir and batter Virat Kohli, asserting that both maintain a healthy working relationship. Lately, there have been rumours of cracks in the relationship between Gambhir and Kohli, with the duo not being seen engaging in discussions with each other during practice sessions or in the dressing room. The rumours gained more traction after they both didn't communicate with each other during the training sessions on the eve of the first ODI against England in Edgbaston. However, Kotak played down the tensions of a dispute between Gambhir and Kohli.
“Virat and Gautam, they must have talked 10 times today. I don't think they need a bridge," Kotak told reporters in the post-match press conference after the second ODI.
"And Virat, basically, before going into batting, he talked about certain things. Because, Virat, honestly speaking, as a batting coach, till the time he doesn't feel anything, or if he doesn't see anything, his batting shouldn't be disturbed. And we shouldn't say much, the way he bats.
“But, mainly, how is his footwork going? Certain things, he asked me before. And then, after the nets, he was talking. Besides that, what you are saying, I don't know, where do the rumours come from, but they do come,” he added.
Talking about the match, England inflicted a four-wicket defeat on India to bounce back and level the series 1-1. Joe Root's masterclass performance helped the side chase down a target of 234 in 44.1 overs. India, on the other hand, were dragged to a modest total following courageous knocks from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom bludgeoned 65 and 66 respectively. The third and final ODI will be played on Sunday at Lord's.