Kotak lauds Samson, Abhishek’s ‘fearless attitude’ and mind control

India's Sanju Samson scored a sublime 67 off 33 balls in India’s opening four-wicket victory, while Abhishek Sharma too chipped in with valuable runs in the PowerPlay. | Photo Credit: SHAILENDRA BHOJAK

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Friday lavished praise on openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, saying that apart from “power, talent and intent”, the two big-hitters also have immense control on their minds.

Kotak said the team management should be appreciated for sticking to Samson and Abhishek despite the social media-fuelled clamour for the inclusion of 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at the expense of the in-form duo.

Sooryavanshi, who has been warming the bench since the Asian Games, is expected to play on Saturday, with Ishan Kishan ruled out of the second T20 against New Zealand with an injury. Samson scored a sublime 67 off 33 balls in India’s opening four-wicket victory, while Abhishek too chipped in with valuable runs in the PowerPlay.

“...there is a lot of speculation in social media about the three openers. So, sometimes, social media should also appreciate that the team management calls are for the good of the team. Because people want to play their own 11. It doesn’t work like that,” said Kotak on the eve of the second T20I.

Kotak reserved special praise for Samson, who has been remarkably consistent this year.

“Sanju is outstanding; he is a power-packed player. The way he approached the game yesterday. There are so many runs (to chase). If you ever put yourself in the place of a batter and think that you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also be afraid of getting out.

“If you get out early in two or three games, you would think you would get dropped. So, overcoming all that and the intent (openers) they are showing excites me.

“Really, it is amazing that on top of power, talent and intent and everything, they are controlling their minds also. To get them into that fearless attitude, it is unbelievable,” said Kotak.

Vaibhav is a lot more mature now and understands why he is not playing.

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Kotak said it was sad to see so much hype being created around Sooryavanshi’s international debut earlier this year. The debut happened in July, but the left-hander is not a regular in the playing eleven, with Samson and Abhishek performing brilliantly.

"See, everyone likes him. The public likes him. Social media likes him. He has that talent. The team also likes him. But, because of that, you can’t make changes in 11.

“He is very talented and has a bright, bright future ahead. He will learn a lot of things once he starts playing. But, initially, I felt there was a lot of hype about (his spot in the 11).”

Kotak said the hype was not good for a young player like Sooryavanshi.

“I genuinely feel it is not good for the player either. For a young 15-16-year-old boy, everyone is saying that he should play, and he is not getting the space. He is too young.

“It is sad, and it is sad for other players also who are performing. People related to cricket, they should think about it. Whether they are actually helping or just creating something, they are doing something.”

Kotak said that Sooryavanshi knows why he is not in the playing XI and is learning the ropes in the team environment.

“Now, he is much more mature. He understood that (why he is not playing). He is aware that if Sanju bhai is doing this kind of batting, how can he stay out? If Abhishek bhai is doing this kind of batting, only 11 can play.

“He is a very simple boy. I don’t think he has ever complained. He is working on his fielding, fitness, and batting; he is always observing. While batting, the things you learn at this level are a different thing. He also has to learn that,” said Kotak.

Naman Dhir fits into the team's T20 World Cup plans

Naman Dhir made his T20I debut earlier this month, and he has played six games so far. Kotak said Naman has become an important member of the side. His unbeaten 42 off 15 balls in the first match against New Zealand on Thursday helped India pull off its highest chase in T20 cricket.

“Naman Dhir, the way he batted in the last 6-8 balls in the Bangalore match, we know that he is capable of doing that. And he is capable of bowling more than probably he has bowled in first-class cricket or Vijay Hazare. He is a very exciting talent,” said Kotak.

Does Naman possess enough skills to be included in the team’s plans for the 2028 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand? “Yes, I think it is enough. Because, in T20, if the left-handers are more, he can bowl four overs. Sometimes, if the situation is left-right, he can bowl two overs or one over. And someone who can field really well and bat, who can make an impact in batting as a finisher.

“At the moment, obviously, it is too early (to say if he would be part of the World Cup). But I personally feel he is very promising. His batting technique: he creates the base early, the power he has, the way he plays short balls – he is a very, very exciting talent.”