India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, expressed faith in the Kerala dasher’s talent ahead of the Asia Cup match against Pakistan on Friday, saying that Sanju Samson’s lack of success at number five and six does not imply he cannot do well there.
Shubman Gill’s arrival has forced Samson, who has performed best as an opener, into a starting lineup that has most runs scored at Nos. 3 and 4 by captain Suryakumar Yadav and the dapper Tilak Varma.
“See, Sanju has not batted a lot at No. 5 or 6. But that doesn’t mean that he can’t do it. So, I think Sanju is a good enough player to bat at any number. So, according to the requirement of the team, captain and head coach will decide. And he is more than happy to bat at any number,” Kotak told reporters.
The traditional rivals’ marquee match is set to take place in Dubai on Sunday.
Kotak stated that India’s batting lineup relies heavily on adaptability.
“If you look at our batting line-up, everyone is capable of going in at any number and finish the match. Although we have four-five such aggressive players, the head coach or captain can decide according to the situation.
“More or less, everyone is prepared to bat at any number. Sanju, in the last match, he would have batted at number 5. In the next match, he can bat at any number.” “So, it is not fixed. Everyone knows their role. So, they will be ready according to the situation.”
India easily reached a chase of 58 for the loss of just one wicket in their most recent match against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
Kotak made a suggestion that, in addition to the openers, No. 3 would be a set slot moving forward, with players for slots 4 through 7 being rotated based on the needs of the team.
“Obviously, the openers and No. 3, we think about particular players. But after that, if required, I think all the players mentally and skill-wise, are prepared to bat at any number. And I think that’s a good sign.”
Kotak thinks there are multiple finishers in the Indian squad.
“I think everyone knows their role. And maybe we have more than one finisher. So, depending on the situation, we can go accordingly.
“Because if you look at Shivam, if you look at Hardik, if you look at Axar, they all can do whatever is required depending on who is bowling, which bowler of the opposing team has the remaining overs, how is the wicket. So, it is a great thing to have, where you have 3 or 4 guys who can go at any number.”
Regarding Dube, Kotak said that he is an excellent hitting choice. “Shivam is a good hitting option and he also bowls well. And in the previous T20 series, Shivam has done well. So, he has been doing well.”
When asked why Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer, didn’t fit into the lineup, Kotak responded that there was “no agenda.”
“Because, the first discussion we have with the head coach and the captain is that obviously, these 15 are like this, everyone deserves to play. “If any player is not playing, it will be difficult for him because he will feel missed out. But, at the end of the day, it’s a team sport. So, everyone knows that there is no agenda, there is no personal liking, disliking.”
“Whatever is best for the team, captain and head coach will decide and do that. And I don’t think there is any doubt in anybody’s mind. So, whoever is not playing, they are always trying to help the guys who are playing,” he concluded.
