"Don't want to take credit"- Gautam Gambhir mauled by India batting coach in press conference

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shared his thoughts on the team's top-order batters during the first two Tests of the five-match series in England. Kotak stated that he does not wish to take credit for their recent success, and the players themselves deserve recognition for their performances.

India pulled off a win at Edgbaston by defeating England by 336 runs to level the five-match Test series 1-1. It was Team India’s first-ever Test victory at the venue in Birmingham. Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front with standout performances in both innings before securing the victory on the final day.

Would Not Like to Take Credit for Batters Scoring Runs - Sitanshu Kotak

Speaking at a press conference, Sitanshu Kotak stated that the focus remained on sticking to basics rather than overthinking conditions. Kotak also pointed out that they have been scoring at nearly four runs per over without needing to take unnecessary risks.

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"I would not like to take credit for batters scoring runs, it is them. This wicket will be challenging but not thinking too much about it," Kotak said.

"India batters are very skilled, without doing anything extra they are scoring close to four," the batting coach added.

Nothing Has Changed Because of Captaincy - Sitanshu Kotak on Shubman Gill

Sitanshu Kotak praised Shubman Gill for his composed mindset and technical growth as a batter. Kotak added that captaincy hasn’t altered his game but has made some technical adjustments, which have contributed to his recent success.

"Nothing has changed because of captaincy. Mindset has been good - wants to spend time, he has the skill to put loose balls away. There have been technical changes which he has done," Kotak on Shubman Gill.

Shubman Gill entered the five-Test series against England facing immense pressure. The travelling team lost the opening match at Headingley, where their captaincy drew criticism. However, the 25-year-old led from the front in the second Test at Edgbaston.

Gill scored 269 off 387 balls in the first innings and 161 off 162 in the second. The visitors secured their first-ever Test victory at the Birmingham venue. Notably, Gill had shown form with 147 in the first innings of the opening Test defeat.

India’s Pace Attack Delivers in Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence at Edgbaston

The visiting bowling attack delivered a stellar performance at Edgbaston in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj took six wickets in the first innings and finished with seven in the match, while Akash Deep impressed on his English Test debut by taking 10 wickets across both innings.

Shubman Gill has confirmed Bumrah’s return for the upcoming third Test at Lord’s. Bumrah had taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings at Headingley but went wicketless in the second. He last played at Lord’s in 2021, where he played a key role in India's 151-run win.

After their heavy defeat at Edgbaston, England are likely to tweak their bowling combination. Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson are in contention to replace Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue. The third Test is set to commence on Thursday, July 10, at Lord’s.

Also read: India's fastest-ever pacer gets fully fit; Test debut vs England on the cards?