Sitanshu Kotak backs selectors for retaining Samson and Abhishek
Kotak defended the selectors for retaining Samson and Abhishek amid calls to play Sooryavanshi. The teenager scored four runs at No. 3 in the second T20I.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the selectors deserve credit for retaining Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite calls to play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Social media pressure had grown after the teenager's IPL performances. Kotak praised both openers for mixing power with calm under pressure.
Sooryavanshi replaced the injured Ishan Kishan in the second T20I and batted at No. 3. The 15-year-old scored four runs off eight balls before Nathan Smith dismissed him in the seventh over. Ravichandran Ashwin later said Sooryavanshi looked like a fish out of water in the unfamiliar position.
Ashwin suggested Samson should move to No. 3 if India wants to play Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma and Samson together. He also praised India's middle order for chasing down 180 in the second T20I.
CricHubb Take
Sooryavanshi's struggles at No. 3 highlight the gap between IPL success and international conditions. The middle order's rescue act shows where India's real T20I strength currently lies.