I think it is too early to judge them: Kotak backs Ro-Ko ahead of second ODI

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has thrown his support behind former skippers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following their disappointing returns with the bat in the series opener against Australia in Perth, attributing their struggles to the challenging weather conditions rather than a lack of preparation.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Rohit and Kohli, who were making their first international appearance since the ICC Champions Trophy in March, failed to make an impact in Sunday’s rain-affected contest. While Rohit managed only 8 off14 balls, Kohli was dismissed for a rare duck, his first ever on Australian soil, as India went down to the hosts by seven wickets (DLS) in a 26-overs-per-side encounter.

Addressing the media ahead ofthe second ODIin Adelaide, Kotak defended the seasoned pair, emphasising that their preparation for the series had been thorough but the repeated weather interruptions disrupted their rhythm.

“Both of them are very experienced. I think it was the weather. It would have been the same if Australia had come out to bat first. It is not easy when there are four or five interruptions and every two overs you are going in and coming back out,” Kotak told reporters on Wednesday.