Asia Cup 2025: Coach Kotak’s Message to India Team

Sep 13, 2025 - 23:00

Sitanshu Kotak, the batting coach for India, has made it plain that the team is still focused on cricket as they look forward to first Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan in Dubai on September 14.

When asked about political requests from certain people back home for India to boycott matches against Pakistan, Kotak said he wasn’t worried about any distractions during a media event on Friday before India’s training session.

Kotak said on Friday, before India’s training session, “Once the BCCI gives the green light, in line with the government, we are here to prepare and play.” “We’d rather focus on the India-Pakistan game because it’s always competitive.

“Honestly, I don’t think so.” When the players are here to play, they just think about cricket. I don’t think they have any other plans. He said, “That’s what we focus on.”

Kotak also talked about India’s batting strategy, especially Sanju Samson’s role in the middle order. He said that the rest of the lineup is still up in the air, even if the openers and No. 3 are mostly established.

Kotak said, “Everyone in our batting order can go in at any number and finish the game.” “We have four or five aggressive players who can change their game depending on the situation.” There is nothing set in stone after the openers and No. 3.

Coach Kotak’s Message to India Team

He said that Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Samson are all guys who can finish the game depending on the situation.

Kotak remarked, “Maybe we have more than one finisher.” “It’s great to have three or four guys who can fit in anywhere.”

When asked about Shubman Gill’s readiness to lead India in the Test series against the West Indies right after the Asia Cup, Kotak said that workload management policies mostly pertain to fast bowlers, not batsmen.

He remarked, “Workload management is mostly for bowlers, especially fast bowlers.” “I don’t think workload is a problem for batters unless they mentally think it’s too much.”

Kotak added that decisions would still be dependent on the situation, even though Arshdeep Singh is India’s best T20I wicket-taker and could miss games.

“The conditions in Dubai were slow and turning, and that’s why. Everyone realises that there is no agenda or personal preference. The captain and head coach will make the decision that is best for the squad. Kotak said, “That’s how a team should work: everyone who isn’t playing is always helping those who are.”

On September 14, India will play Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament.