India needed Bhuvneshwar’s experience in New Zealand, says batting coach Sitanshu Kotak

Sitanshu Kotak during a practice session ahead of the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion in the T20I squad for the New Zealand series has created enough buzz to spill into India’s press conference ahead of the second T20I against the West Indies — a good two weeks before the Men in Blue take on the Kiwis.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak is neither a selector nor a bowling expert, yet he obliged when asked about the reasons behind the 36-year-old’s recall.

“The obvious thing is it’s the selectors [who made the decision]. I can give you an answer on what I think. In England, I felt we needed experience along with the young bowlers as Jasprit Bumrah was also not available there. We all know that you can’t beat experience,” Kotak said at the JSCA Stadium on Thursday.

“Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons, so the selectors must have thought that he would be useful in New Zealand,” he elaborated.

When asked if Mohammed Shami had a similar chance, Kotak explained: “If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected.”

The BCCI’s decision to include Centre of Excellence head V.V.S. Laxman in selection meetings has been another raging topic.

“I believe the BCCI took that decision for a purpose. I have worked with Laxman for three years in the CoE. He used to tell us that if the Indian team has any requirement, then our first duty is to do it. We used to postpone our leaves if an important player [came to the CoE] and the Indian team wanted him immediately. That’s how committed Laxman is. So, whatever role he will be in, I am sure that Laxman will think about what is best for Indian cricket”.