Kotak lauds Samson and Abhishek’s ‘fearless attitude’ and mind-control in Christchurch
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on October 23, 2026, in Christchurch praised openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for their power, intent and mental control following India’s opening four-wicket T20 victory, highlighting Samson’s 67 off 33 balls and Abhishek’s useful powerplay contributions. Kotak also defended the team management’s decision to retain the two despite social media calls for the inclusion of teenage batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Kotak spoke on the eve of the second T20I against New Zealand, addressing public debate over India’s three opening options and the handling of young players. He noted the extent of speculation on social media and argued that selection decisions are made for the team’s benefit. The article records that Sooryavanshi, who made his international debut in July, has been on the bench since the Asian Games.
Kotak directly challenged the social-media narrative around selection, saying: "...there is a lot of speculation in social media about the three openers. So, sometimes, social media should also appreciate that the team management calls are for the good of the team. Because, people want to play their own 11. It doesn't work like that," said Kotak on the eve of the second T20I.
On Samson’s recent form and temperament, Kotak offered extended praise: "Sanju is outstanding, he is a power-packed player. The way he approached the game yesterday. There are so many runs (to chase). If you ever put yourself in the place of a batsman and think that you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also be afraid of getting out. "If you get out early in two or three games, you would think you would get dropped. So, overcoming all that and the intent (openers) they are showing, that excites me. "Really, it is amazing that on top of power, talent and intent and everything, they are controlling their minds also. To get them into that fearless attitude, it is unbelievable," said Kotak.
Addressing the attention around Sooryavanshi, Kotak said the hype since the youngster’s debut had been problematic and reiterated that popularity alone cannot dictate the playing XI. The report states: "The debut happened in July but the left-hander is not a regular in the playing eleven with Samson and Abhishek performing brilliantly." Kotak added that public and social-media enthusiasm for the teenager had created pressure around selection decisions.
Kotak expressed concern for Sooryavanshi’s welfare and the broader impact of hype on peers, saying: "I genuinely felt it is not good for the player also. For a young 15-16 years old boy, everyone is saying that he should play and he is not getting the space. He is too young. "It is sad and it is sad for other players also who are performing. People related to cricket, they should think about it. Whether they are actually helping, or just to create something, they are doing something."
On Sooryavanshi’s current demeanour and learning curve, Kotak said: "Now, he is much more mature. He understood that (why he is not playing). He is aware that if Sanju Bhai is doing this kind of batting, how can he stay out? If Abhishek Bhai is doing this kind of batting, only 11 can play. "He is a very simple boy. I don't think he has ever complained. He is working on his fielding, fitness, batting, he is always observing. While batting, the things you learn at this level, that is a different thing. He also has to learn that," said Kotak.
Kotak also commented on Naman Dhir, who made his T20I debut earlier this month and has played six games so far, praising his finishing and bowling potential after an unbeaten 42 off 15 balls in the first match that contributed to India’s highest chase in T20 cricket. He said: "Naman Dhir, the way he batted in the last 6-8 balls in the Bangalore match. We know that he is capable of doing that. And, he is capable of bowling more than probably he has bowled even in first class cricket or Vijay Hazare. He is a very exciting talent," and added, "Yes, I think it is enough. Because, in T20, if the left-handers are more, he can bowl four overs. Sometimes, if the situation is left-right, he can bowl two overs or one over. And, someone who can field really well and bat, who can make an impact in batting as a finisher. "At the moment, obviously, it is too early (to say if he would be part of the World Cup). But, I personally feel he is very promising. His batting technique, he creates the base early, the power he has, the way he plays short-balls, he is a very, very exciting talent."
India are due to play the second T20I on Saturday, October 24, 2026, and the report states Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to feature after Ishan Kishan was ruled out of that match with an injury.
