India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, is optimistic about Ishan Kishan playing in the fifth T20I against New Zealand on January 31. Kishan missed the fourth match in Vizag due to a minor injury.
Initial reports suggest the injury isn’t severe; Kishan was seen in good spirits on the sidelines, even assisting his teammates with drinks during breaks.
Ishan Kishan Set to Feature in 5th T20I vs New Zealand
His upbeat attitude was reassuring, but it doesn’t confirm his place in the team yet. Kotak noted there’s a good chance Kishan could return for the series finale, but they’ll depend on the medical team’s advice.
The final decision will be made by the team physios, who will assess his recovery to ensure he is fit for this important match. Kishan has performed well in the series, scoring a total of 112 runs in three matches, including a quick 76 off 32 balls in the second T20I.
Kotak also discussed Sanju Samson’s recent form, stressing the management’s desire to maintain his positive mindset. Despite facing challenges, they still view the 31-year-old as a crucial player.
The leadership team recognizes Samson’s potential as an opener, even though he hasn’t found his rhythm in the current series against New Zealand. Rather than apply pressure, Kotak, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Suryakumar Yadav are focused on supporting Samson’s mental health. Their priority is to keep him in a good frame of mind so he can return to form as soon as possible.
“Sanju is Sanju. He may not have scored as many runs as everybody would like, but that’s part of the game. Sometimes you have a series of good innings, and sometimes you don’t. It depends on the individual and their mental strength, and our role is to keep him in a positive mindset and ensure he practices hard. We all know what Sanju is capable of, so there’s nothing more to say about him, as he has been really good,” Kotak stated at the pre-match press conference.
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