Kotak Hails India’s Fearless Batting, Urges Sooryavanshi Patience

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has praised the growing belief behind his side’s aggressive T20 batting after their four-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch, while urging caution over the expectations surrounding teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

India chased 226 in the first T20I, with Sanju Samson leading the early charge through a 33-ball 67. Samson and Abhishek Sharma added 93 for the opening wicket in the Powerplay, giving India a platform in a high-scoring chase that Kotak said reflected more than just power and skill.

“In world cricket, sometimes we talk about how the runs are increasing, the pitches and all that,” Kotak said. “But the way batters’ belief is growing, it is unbelievable.”

Samson and Abhishek set the tone

Kotak described Samson as an “outstanding, power-packed player” and focused on the mental side of the approach taken by Samson and Abhishek at the start of the chase. He said the demand to hit multiple sixes early in an innings can bring a fear of dismissal, particularly for players concerned about keeping their place after low scores.

For Kotak, India’s openers have stood out by moving beyond that fear. “Overcoming all that, and the way they are showing the intent, that excites me,” he said. “Really, it is amazing, that on top of power, talent, and intent, and everything, controlling their mind also, to get them into that fearless attitude.”

The coach’s comments underlined why the Christchurch chase mattered. A target of 226 placed a premium on an immediate response, and the 93-run Powerplay stand made India’s route towards the total easier. Kotak credited the players’ ability to maintain their natural attacking outlook under pressure.

He also highlighted Naman Dhir’s contribution and potential after the all-rounder’s start in international cricket. Kotak said Dhir’s role in the previous match had been “very, very important” and pointed to his ability to contribute with bat, ball and in the field.

According to Kotak, Dhir can bowl four overs when a side contains several left-hand batters, or deliver shorter spells when there is a more even right- and left-hand balance. He also identified Dhir’s potential as a finisher, adding that the player understands what is expected of him.

Kotak calls for calm around Sooryavanshi

Much of Kotak’s media interaction centred on Sooryavanshi, who has been part of the national squad after his IPL exploits but has largely been a backup option at the top of the order. Kotak said the level of attention around a player aged 15 or 16 could be counter-productive, particularly when public discussion repeatedly centres on why he is or is not in the playing XI.

“Just because of that, or that everyone likes him, you can’t make changes in the playing 11,” Kotak said. He described Sooryavanshi as talented and said he has a bright future, but stressed that only 11 players can play and that Samson and Abhishek’s form must also be considered.

Kotak said Sooryavanshi has become more mature during his time on the sidelines and has worked on his fielding, fitness and batting while observing senior players. He added that the youngster has not complained and is learning about the demands of batting at international level.

With Ishan Kishan injured and identified as the only other top-order batter in the squad, Sooryavanshi’s opportunity could come in the next T20I. Kotak said he would not want to alter the youngster’s natural attacking style unless a situation made it necessary. Instead, their conversations have focused on ball movement from particular areas and the shots available to him.

“There are players who play shots on merit,” Kotak said. “And there are those who try to create shots, wherever the ball is. For me, Vaibhav is that kind of a player who dominates and plays shots as per his wish.”