Following the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday (October 22), India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the batting order changes, with Tilak Varma moving to No. 3 and Ishan Kishan dropping to No. 5.
Kotak confirmed that the move was made to manage Kishan's physical discomfort as the southpaw sustained a groin injury during the game.
“There was a lot of speculation I have also seen, just because Ishan had a strain in his groin, the batting order was changed,” Kotak told reporters.
Shortly after Kotak's press conference, the BCCI officially confirmed that Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand due to a low-grade right adductor strain.
In his absence, Kotak indicated that 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the strongest contenders to step into the playing XI.
“If Ishan doesn’t play, unless he recovers completely, which the medical team will advise— Vaibhav could definitely step in for him,” Kotak stated. “He is one of the strongest contenders”.
Chasing a massive target of 226 in the series opener, the visitors reached home with four wickets in hand and two deliveries to spare. India's reply was anchored by an explosive opening partnership of 93 runs between Sanju Samson (67 off 33 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (29 off 12 balls).
Once the opening partnership was broken, India lost wickets in quick succession and were reduced to 122/4, with Tilak (6) and Kishan (1) falling cheaply.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer produced a crucial knock of 42 in 28 balls, and added 45 runs with Axar Patel (24 off 14) to steady the ship. However, it was Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls that carried India over the line in a tense final over.
Kotak was effusive in praise of Naman for providing incredible flexibility as a genuine utility all-rounder.
“He is a power-packed player who knows what is expected from the team, and he exactly does that, which is a great sign,” Kotak remarked. “Someone who can field really well and bat with impact in a finisher role” makes him a “very, very exciting talent”.
The batting coach commended the opening pair of Samson and Abhishek for their fearless execution during India's explosive powerplay. The fearless approach paid off heavily, allowing India to plunder 94 runs in the powerplay, which laid the perfect foundation to successfully pull off their highest-ever run chase in T20Is.
“If you put yourself in a batsman’s shoes, needing three or four sixes in the first two overs but fearing getting out, overcoming that and showing such intent is amazing,” Kotak said.
Sitanshu Kotak also addressed question regarding team composition, outlining how management handles extraordinary talents like Naman Dhir, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana. His remarks emphasized prioritizing long-term planning and squad balance over public or social media preferences.
“Sometimes social media should appreciate that team management decisions are for the good of the team. People want the playing XI of their choice, but it doesn’t work like that. If an extraordinary talent like Naman or Abhishek or Harshit or someone else shows up, they are fast-tracked when the team feels there is a vacant spot or an opportunity to strengthen the squad,” he explained.
In the end, Kotak highlighted the importance of the concurrent India A shadow tour, with the first red-ball match starting in Lincoln on October 24.
“The India A series is highly important because many of our Test players and fringe players waiting for opportunities are there. Red-ball match practice is very important even for senior players ahead of the upcoming Test series,” he concluded.
(With RevSportz Inputs)
