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India's recent struggles in T20 cricket have raised serious questions, but the team management is not panicked at all. Ahead of the third T20I against England on July 7, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has defended the team's performances.
He stressed that the current phase is part of a transition and that such challenges are expected when a new team is being built. The Men in Blue have enjoyed tremendous success in T20I cricket over the last year, winning the Asia Cup, T20 World Cup, and other major series.
However, they are now struggling badly. With Shreyas Iyer taking over as captain and several young players being introduced into the squad, the team is still trying to settle into a new combination. Amid this, Suryakumar Yadav dismisses fake viral statement on Shreyas Iyer-led Team India.
Sitanshu Kotak says change always brings challenges
Kotak admitted that changing captains and bringing young players into the team at the same time is never an easy process. The batting coach has stressed that every team goes through a rebuilding phase, and during that period, results may not always go in their favor.
He pointed out that India are missing the experience and balance provided by star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. He also stressed that replacing a player of Hardik's quality while giving opportunities to youngsters naturally takes time, and they are not too worried about the recent results.
Sitanshu Kotak said at the pre-match press conference, "See, our attempt is to improve in all three departments: batting, bowling, and fielding. It is (the nature of the) game. Sometimes, when there is a transition—the captain has changed, Hardik is not there, and you are trying to introduce 3–4 young players—even then, it should not happen, but such things can happen. The Indian team's efforts remain the same.”
India begin 2028 World Cup plan
The batting coach further stressed that the team's focus is on becoming stronger in every department before the next T20 World Cup in 2028. He explained that the players are working hard to improve their batting, bowling, and fielding to continue competing for major trophies.
Kotak added, “Everyone has their limitations, but we always try that (to improve) in batting, bowling, and fielding. If we are looking at winning the next World Cup, we will have to get better. We have to do better than what we have done in the last World Cup.”
India's next all-rounder mission begins! Kotak names 2 rising stars
He also revealed that the team management is working on developing more pace-bowling all-rounders in T20 cricket. Young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Suryansh Shedge are among those being prepared for bigger roles in the future.
The batting coach stated, “In T20, pace-bowling all-rounders play a very important role if you count one as the sixth bowler. With all these young players, all 15 players might not get to play, but at least if they are with the team, they will get used to the environment.”
Kotak stressed that the Indian coaching staff, selectors, and the BCCI are all working with the same vision, saying the focus is on creating a strong group of players who will be ready whenever India needs them in major tournaments.
