India and Pakistan cross paths in two days’ time at the Asia Cup, yet the talk inside the India dressing-room, according to batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, is refreshingly narrow.
“For the players and for us,” Kotak stressed, “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.”
Political tension remains a live backdrop after April’s Pahalgam attack, and there are still voices in India calling for a boycott. Kotak, though, believes the squad has shut out the noise.
“Honestly, I don’t think so [not tough],” he replied when asked if it is tricky to concentrate on the cricket. “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.”
Selection, more than geopolitics, occupies the coaches. A central talking point is whether Sanju Samson, normally happier near the top, can adjust to No. 5 or 6.
“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.”
That flexibility has been drummed into the group all week. Openers and No. 3 remain stable, yet everything thereafter is up for negotiation.
“So there is nothing fixed,” he continued. “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.”
Samson’s finishing credentials sit alongside those of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. Kotak spelt it out:
“Everyone knows their role,” he said. “One thing. Maybe we have more than one finisher. So, seriously, depending on the situation, we can go accordingly.
“Because if you look at Shivam, if you look at Hardik, if you look at Axar, they all can do whatever is required depending on who is bowling, which bowler of the opposing team is left, how is the wicket. So, it is a great thing to have, where you have three [or] four guys who can go at any number.”
Workload management, another perennial Indian theme, surfaced when someone asked whether Shubman Gill might be stretched by a Test match starting three days after the Asia Cup. A slightly exasperated Kotak sought to tidy up what he called the “confusion”.
“I don’t know what you think about wor—” he began, before the team analyst called him away to join the nets. The point, though, had been made: India are dealing with cricketing questions, not diplomatic ones, and they prefer it that way.
