NEW DELHI: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has kept the suspense alive over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s chances of playing in the second T20I against New Zealand, insisting that the team management’s selection decisions must be viewed in the larger interest of the side. With Ishan Kishan ruled out of Saturday’s match due to injury, the 15-year-old batting sensation could be in contention, but Kotak backed current openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during India’s four-wicket victory in the series opener. The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress.Sooryavanshi, who has been on the sidelines since the Asian Games, is among the possible options as India prepare to face New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. However, Kotak stressed that selection cannot be driven by social media demands.“…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,” Kotak said on the eve of the second T20I.
‘Sanju is outstanding’: Kotak backs openers
Kotak reserved special praise for Samson, who smashed 67 off 33 balls in the opening match, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 29 off just 12 deliveries. Their 93-run opening stand laid the foundation for India’s successful chase of 226.“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 batsman 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, that 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,” Kotak said.
Kishan’s absence opens selection question
New Zealand posted 225/4 in the first T20I, with Glenn Phillips scoring an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls. India recovered from a brief middle-order wobble to complete the chase in 19.4 overs, with Shreyas Iyer making 42 and Naman Dhir remaining unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls.Kishan’s absence leaves India with a selection decision ahead of the second match. Sooryavanshi’s inclusion remains a possibility, but Kotak’s comments underline the team’s faith in Samson and Abhishek, whose fearless approach proved decisive in the series opener.
