New Delhi: India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has asserted that the team is concentrating solely on cricket ahead of their high-profile Asia Cup encounter against Pakistan on Sunday, following alignment between the BCCI and the government after the Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Speaking at India’s training session at the ICC Academy ground, Kotak said, “Once the BCCI aligned with the government’s decision, our focus was always on the match. It’s India versus Pakistan, and it will be an interesting game. Players are focused on the ground, and nothing else is on their minds.”
The upcoming clash marks the first India-Pakistan encounter since the border tensions escalated in May, after India’s strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan following the attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Addressing concerns about player workload, particularly for vice-captain Shubman Gill, Kotak clarified that the team primarily monitors pacers, while batters are considered only if they report fatigue. “Workload management is mainly for fast bowlers. For batsmen, it becomes a concern only if they feel overwhelmed,” he explained.
On Gill’s technique and adaptability, Kotak added, “Modern players know how to adjust between red-ball and white-ball cricket. They understand how to approach powerplays and death overs. Technical adjustments are part of the game, and the players are aware of what needs to be done.” Gill, who has scored 598 runs in 22 T20Is at an average of 31.47, will lead the batting against Pakistan.
Kotak dismissed any notion of favoritism or agenda in team selection, emphasizing that head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav make decisions purely in the team’s interest. He addressed queries about Arshdeep Singh being left out of India’s opener against the UAE and the demotion of Sanju Samson to the middle order.
“Every player knows their role and is prepared to bat at any number according to team requirements. It’s a team sport, and everyone supports the players on the field,” Kotak said. India’s strategic choices paid off in the opener, with spinners bundling out the UAE for just 57 and the team chasing it down in 4.3 overs.
India now turn their attention to the marquee group-stage clash against Pakistan, where tactical planning, workload management, and player adaptability will be key. Kotak reiterated, “India versus Pakistan is always competitive. Our focus remains on cricket, and the players are ready to give their best on the field.”
