'He plays according to needs of the team': Sitanshu Kotak backs Ishan Kishan to deliver on home turf in Ranchi

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes Ishan Kishan plays according to the team's needs—a shift he's watched closely ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand. Kishan, originally from Patna but representing Jharkhand in domestic cricket, leads the shortest format with 1042 runs in 30 innings and's a T20 World Cup winner.

Kotak added that Kishan's much more mature now than he was in previous years. That maturity matters, especially with the series opener in Jharkhand—Kishan's home state—where familiarity with conditions could swing things his way.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar got recalled to the squad. Kotak noted the pacer was probably brought back to add experience in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. Kumar hasn't played for India since November 2022.