As India gear up for a must-win clash against Zimbabwe on Thursday in Chennai in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gave insights into the team’s thinking during the press conference on Wednesday. Though he did not categorically confirm any changes to the playing XI, his comments strongly suggested that the team management might be contemplating tweaks to the batting combination.
So far in the tournament, India’s batting has come under scrutiny following repeated stumbles from the top order. In the past games, the early collapses have left the middle order exposed, worsening the situation for the team.
“There can be changes, yes. And obviously, it goes without saying that we discussed," Kotak said at the press conference.
“Because there are two lefty opening, number three is left-handed and the opposition’s bowling option. I personally don’t think that there is any problem there, also. But because in the last three games, we lost wickets in first over. Obviously, any team would think. So we are thinking, and we’ll see how it goes. Because we never decide the team too early," he added.
Speaking on India's crushing defeat against South Africa, the batting coach underlined that it was the worst game the side played in two years.
"The last game was a little concerning. I'm not really looking at individuals or how many times somebody failed. We should take the last game in stride; it's the worst game we've played in two years. Honestly, I feel we should not think about it too much and move ahead. In the World Cup, our openers haven't clicked as good as we wanted. It's fine; I wouldn't personally stress too much on it. I would rather look ahead," he said.