“We aren’t even talking about the 2027 World Cup” - Sitanshu Kotak’s huge statement on Virat Kohli’s future after 135 in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Team India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak reiterated that the 2027 ODI World Cup is still a long way off, giving the team time to assess their options, especially regarding Virat Kohli's future. The ace batter proved that he is still at his best after smashing a match-winning 135 in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.

Virat Kohli, who had a mixed series in Australia to mark his comeback, was at his fluent best after India were put into bat in the series opener. He showcased initiative by taking on the pacers in the powerplay, before proceeding to anchor the innings in typical fashion and setting the platform for the hosts to amass a mammoth 349-8.

The star player notched up his 52nd ODI hundred, etching a new record for the most tons in a single format. He eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record of 51 hundreds in Tests in the process.

Sitanshu Kotak shut down speculations surrounding Virat Kohli's future and the question of whether he is in the team's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"In my opinion, there should be no such talks. Talking about things that are two years away, I don't think there is any point talking about such things. I don't think we are even talking about the 2027 World Cup. They (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) are contributing, which is great for the team," the assistant coach said during the post-match press conference (via BCCI).

"I don't know why do we need to look at all this. He (Kohli) is batting really well. I don't see any reason we need to talk about his future. Just the way he is batting, he is just brilliant. The way he is performing, the way his fitness is, there are no questions about anything," Kotak added.

Virat Kohli averages 53.78 in ODIs in 2025 after a successful 2025 Champions Trophy campaign and a brilliant start to the home season. He has scored 484 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 89.80, which includes two hundreds.

"He took responsibility" - Sitanshu Kotak hails Virat Kohli's knock in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Virat Kohli had the task of making the most of a solid batting surface, and piling on extra runs to combat the dew factor in the second innings. He took control of the situation immediately after having to come on to bat quite early following Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal.

The veteran batter set the tempo almost immediately, putting the South African bowlers under pressure while stitching up a crucial second-wicket partnership with Rohit Sharma.

"It was an outstanding knock, obviously, he batted really well. He is, in the one day format, and all the other formats, he is a thoroughly outstanding player. He took responsibility, and the way he batted was really good. They are both experienced players, it is always great to have them. And the way they bat, today also, they got that partnership, all of it makes a huge difference," Sitanshu Kotak said.

The second ODI between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur.