India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed Rishabh Pant to retain his aggressive batting approach, dismissing calls for the wicketkeeper-batter to unnecessarily temper his natural game to fit specific match situations.
Kotak emphasized that every player possesses a unique style and the management wants all team members to bat "with complete freedom" rather than expecting Pant to be the only one who must adapt.
His comment came after India hammered Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the one-off Test in Mullanpur. Pant scored 81 off 121 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes during India’s only innings.
"I don't think Rishabh alone has to play according to the situation. Every player has a different style. Sai Sudharsan plays differently, Shubman Gill plays differently, KL Rahul plays differently and Rishabh plays differently. What we want is for everyone to play their own game with complete freedom," Kotak told reporters in the post-match presser.
While individual expression is encouraged, Kotak clarified that when red-ball cricket demands a specific tactical approach, the batting unit is still expected to respond accordingly to the match situation.
"When the team needs something specific in red-ball cricket, every batter has to respond to that need. But Rishabh is a senior player who understands the game. Why would anyone tell him how to bat? He reads bowlers, changes gears and often tries things bowlers do not expect. That is his strength."
According to the batting coach, Pant's innings showcased exactly why he is regarded as one of the most dangerous players in world cricket.
"He may have missed out on a hundred or even more runs, but I thought he batted really well. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan also batted exceptionally well."
Debutant Manav Suthar, who ended the Test match with seven wickets to his name and also contributed 28 runs with the bat, was deservedly declared Player-of-the-Match.
Kotak was effusive in praise for the left-arm spinner. "He is a very good prospect and has been progressing through the system for the last few years. From Ranji Trophy to India Emerging and India A, he has consistently performed. The BCCI structure gives players exposure and opportunities, and Manav has made the most of them."
"Ever since I first saw him, I felt he would play for India one day. He is talented, hardworking, consistent and bowls really well. The timing of opportunities is never guaranteed, but he always looked like a player destined to represent India."
The coach also opened up on the decision to enforce follow-on after Afghanistan’s first innings folded for 151 in response to India’s massive 564/8 (declared).
"Once they were bowled out for 151, everyone felt it was important to bowl again if they got out before lunch. There will be times when we need to bowl 100 or 120 overs in a Test match. It is not only about giving batters more practice. It is also about preparing bowlers, especially spinners, for long spells."
Washington Sundar tore through the Afghanistan line-up with figures of 4 for 36 in the second innings, helping India bundle out the tourists for a mere 112 runs in 35.5 overs.
Kotak also commended Sundar's maturity and professionalism. "Washington has been around the system for a long time. What impresses me most is that his work ethic never changes, whether he is playing, sitting out, batting or bowling. That consistency is why he keeps contributing whenever the team needs him."
(With TOI Inputs)
