Cricket the only focus for India ahead of Pakistan clash tomorrow, says Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
Nothing in mind apart from cricket – India batting coach Kotak on playing Pakistan.
There is a lot riding on India vs. Pakistan matches, but two days before their 2025 Asia Cup debut, the cricket seems to be the main attraction. And nothing else.
Kotak was asked if it can be difficult to concentrate on cricket in the face of calls from some quarters back home to boycott matches against Pakistan before India’s training session on Friday. Following the Pahalgam terror assault in April, India and Pakistan traded cross-border attacks, further escalating their already fraught political relationship in recent months.
What Kotak Said
“For the players and for us,” India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said, “Once the BCCI says and they are aligned with the government, we are here to prepare and we are here to play. It will be a competitive game. An India-Pakistan game is always a competitive game. So, we would rather focus on that.”
“Honestly, I don’t think so [not tough],” Kotak said. “Once we are here to play, I think players are focused on playing cricket. I personally don’t think they have anything in mind apart from playing cricket. And that’s what we focus on.”
The Samson question
India’s batting lineup and if Sanju Samson could adjust to a position at No. 5 or 6, where he hasn’t had as much success as in the top order, were the other main areas of concern. While the openers and No. 3 were fairly certain, Kotak made it obvious that the remainder of the lineup was flexible, and players were getting ready with that in mind.
“If you look at our batting line-up, everyone is capable of going to any number and finishing the match,” Kotak explained. “Although, we have four-five aggressive players who, according to the situation, either the head coach or the captain decides where to send them. More or less everyone is prepared to bat at any number.
“So there is nothing fixed. Everyone knows their role. So, according to the situation, they will be ready. Obviously, the openers and No. 3, we think about particular players. But after that, if required, I think all the players also now mentally and skill-wise, they are prepared to bat at any number. And I think that’s a good sign.”
Kotak on Workload Management
When questioned if playing a Test match, in which he is captain, just three days after the Asia Cup ended would affect Gill’s preparation, Kotak also clarified any “confusion” over the team’s workload-management policy. On October 2, India will host the West Indies for two Test matches.
“I don’t know what you think about workload management. But workload management is generally done for bowlers, mainly fast bowlers,” Kotak said. “If you talk about batters, if they mentally feel that cricket is too much for them, then it is a matter of thinking. Workload is actually managed by fast bowlers. I don’t think batsmen face workload management issues.”