India will play the Netherlands on February 18 in their final Group A game in Ahmedabad,
Jasprit Bumrah has taken three wickets in the two games he has played, with the best of 2/17 that came in India’s 61-run win against Pakistan. He had missed the first game for India against the USA.
The BCCI's sports science team has carefully monitored Bumrah's workload to preserve his fitness, resting him on multiple occasions when team management considered it necessary.
“Don’t think Bumrah will rest. We will decide later,” Kotak said during the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Kotak also spoke about the opener Abhishek Sharma, who missed the Namibia game due to a stomach bug. He has scored two ducks against the USA and Pakistan. However, Kotak expressed trust in the youngster's temperament, calling him a self-assured player who will undoubtedly recover stronger.
“He wasn’t well. In the last game, he got out in the first over. We don’t want to overanalyze. He has his plans sorted,” Kotal stated when asked if the opposition had decoded his batting style.
Kotak praised opener Ishan Kishan's demeanor, calling him a "confident" person. Kishan was the Player of the Match for his 77 against Pakistan on a difficult pitch in Colombo that helped India get way ahead in the game.
“He has always been a very confident player since his younger days. That mindset helps in T20 cricket,” said Kotak.
Kotak added India will not take the Netherlands lightly.
“From the start of this World Cup, we have seen that any team can beat any team. That is why every game is important,” he stated.
India has qualified for the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup 2026.
(PTI inputs)