Cardiff, 17 July (H.S.): India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed speculation about a rift between head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli, saying the two communicate regularly and have no need for an intermediary.

Speaking at the post-match press conference following India's four-wicket defeat to England in the second One-Day International, Kotak clarified that his conversations with Kohli during the training session were strictly related to batting and technical aspects of the game.

Responding to a question on whether he was acting as a communication link between Gambhir and Kohli, Kotak said, No. Virat and Gautam must have spoken 10 to 12 times today itself. I don't think they need any bridge.

Batting Discussions Were Purely Technical

Kotak revealed that Kohli himself had approached him to discuss certain aspects of his batting. He added that it would be inappropriate to offer technical advice to a player of Kohli's experience unless the batter specifically sought it or a significant issue became evident.

He wanted to discuss a few things before going out to bat. Honestly, unless he himself feels the need to discuss something or there is a major technical concern, there is no reason to interfere too much with his batting. We discussed his footwork and a few other technical aspects, and we continued that conversation after the net session as well, Kotak said.

Dismisses Speculation as Baseless

Kotak also brushed aside reports suggesting strained relations between Kohli and Gambhir.

Regarding these rumours, I really don't know where they come from, but they certainly keep surfacing, he said.

England Level Series with Victory in Second ODI

On the field, England defeated India by four wickets in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing a target of 234, Joe Root anchored the innings with an unbeaten 99. He shared a crucial 72-run partnership with Will Jacks, who scored 30, while Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 23 as England reached the target with nearly six overs to spare.

Earlier, India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs, with Virat Kohli scoring 65 and Shreyas Iyer contributing 66. Shubman Gill made 31, while captain Rohit Sharma added 26. Ishan Kishan, who replaced the unwell KL Rahul, managed just one run.

For England, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson claimed three wickets each, while Saqib Mahmood picked up two.

The three-match ODI series will now be decided in the third and final match at Lord's on July 19.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar