India batting coach denies Gambhir Kohli rift rumors

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has firmly dismissed persistent rumors of a rift between head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli, stating the two communicate regularly and require no intermediary. Kotak addressed the speculation following India's four-wicket loss to England in the second One Day International at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on July 16, which leveled the three-match series at 1-1.

Responding to questions about whether he acted as a bridge between Gambhir and Kohli, Kotak said there was no truth to the reports. He revealed the pair had spoken numerous times on the day of the match alone. Kotak explained that his own conversations with Kohli were strictly technical, initiated by the player to discuss specific elements like his footwork. He emphasized that Kohli's batting process is respected and that coaches generally refrain from offering unsolicited advice.

The match itself saw England chase down a target of 234 with 35 balls to spare, fueled by captain Joe Root's unbeaten 99. England had stumbled to 125 for five before Root shared a crucial 72-run partnership with Will Jacks (30). Gus Atkinson provided support with an unbeaten 23 to see the hosts...