‘Don’t think anyone told Rishabh Pant to play in a certain way,’ says India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak - Sports News Portal

Following India’s commanding innings and 300-run Test victory over Afghanistan, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed various aspects of the team’s dynamics and future prospects at the post-match press conference. Kotak shed light on the team philosophy regarding individual playing styles, specifically addressing the dialogue surrounding wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pushing back against the notion that Pant was strictly instructed to play defensively based on the conditions, Kotak clarified the team’s unified approach.

“I think as a team, when the entire team decides that everyone will play their own game… everyone should play their game 100 per cent; freely play your game,” Kotak explained.

Discussing Pant’s unique approach, Kotak noted: “He (Rishabh) tries to play with the mind of the bowlers and he will do something which the bowler has not expected. So that is how he bats.”

Kotak further stated: “I don’t think that in this match, or when he went out to bat, there was any question of the situation, or that anyone told him to play in a certain way.”

Beyond the established stars, the match belonged to debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, whose magnificent performance drew immense praise from the batting coach. Kotak highlighted Suthar’s journey as a testament to the country’s robust domestic pathway.

“He really bowled well,” said Kotak. “He is a very good prospect because Manav has been playing for India A and India Emerging for the last two to three years. It was a great opportunity for him and he bowled so well. In fact, he batted well too. So that is actually very satisfying.”

Crediting the systemic set-up for producing match-ready talent, Kotak explained: “I feel that the structure of the BCCI is such that it provides great exposure for all the players through matches ranging from age-group cricket to the Ranji Trophy, Emerging teams, India A, and the IPL. Obviously, Manav Suthar is one of them who has been performing continuously for the last three to four years.”

Kotak also addressed questions regarding the upcoming ODI series, providing an update on the fitness status of senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. When asked if they have received official medical clearance to participate, Kotak admitted he did not have the final confirmation. “I have honestly not got the news whether they have been cleared or not,” he stated. However, he remained optimistic about their availability, adding: “But I’m sure they will be there. Whatever I heard, they are fine, so… but they have to go and do that fitness test or whatever the rule is.”

The conversation then shifted to the highly anticipated arrival of 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenager has recently made headlines for his rapid rise, and Kotak expressed immense enthusiasm about working with the young prodigy in the upcoming UK tour, acknowledging his extraordinary performances.

“From last year’s IPL and the way he bats, the way he executes those shots, it’s really exciting to be very honest for a 15-year-old,” Kotak remarked. Applauding the youngster’s fearlessness against top-tier opposition, he added: “And to all the world-class bowlers, the way he has faced them and the way he has succeeded is, I mean, unbelievable how talented he is.”

Recognising the delicate challenge of coaching an exceptionally gifted yet young player alongside senior pros, Kotak maintained a balanced perspective on how the support staff plans to guide him. “It doesn’t necessarily mean we have to get into it, because he is doing well,” Kotak cautioned.

He concluded by explaining the coaching staff’s philosophy regarding the wonderkid: “Wherever we observe something, we’ll definitely try to help him, and only as much as he needs.”

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