Sitanshu Kotak backs Samson and Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi pressure
Sitanshu Kotak backed the selectors' decision to stick with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite pressure to include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak defended the decision to persist with openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite social media calls for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's inclusion. Kotak said the duo showed fearless intent in chasing down 226 in the first T20I against New Zealand.
Samson scored 67 off 33 balls while Abhishek contributed in the powerplay as India took a 1-0 lead in the series. Kotak praised their mental control under pressure, saying they overcame the fear of early dismissals to play their natural game.
Sooryavanshi is expected to feature in the second T20I after Ishan Kishan was ruled out with a groin injury. Kotak said the 15-year-old is learning from his time on the bench and is more mature now.
CricHubb Take
The decision to keep the established openers is less about Sooryavanshi's readiness and more about protecting the one part of the batting order that has delivered consistently this year.