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Sitanshu Kotak backs Abhishek Sharma despite back-to-back T20 World Cup failures, citing clear plans and mindset.
Abhishek Sharma didn’t open his account against Pakistan. (Picture Credit: AP)
Overanalysing will be counterproductive after a couple of failures within the high-risk T20 format, but India opener Abhishek Sharma has his plans so as against well-prepared opposition, said batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Tuesday.
Abhishek has yet to attain a run in his two innings on the T20 World Cup. Opposing teams have been well-prepared to counter his threat. He was caught at deep cover against the USA off medium-pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk and dismissed at mid-on against Pakistan off Salman Ali Agha.
Within the match against Pakistan, Agha even had a comparatively straight deep cover in place.
Ahead of the Netherlands game, Kotak said there is no such thing as a must worry about Abhishek’s form.
“Obviously we plan, but he wasn’t well and didn’t play (against Namibia). Last game got out in the primary over. One thing we definitely do unnecessarily is overanalyse; sometimes you simply start making more assumptions than the opposition do.
“He has his plans sorted, he follows the best way he desires to, and clearly we discuss opposition, their bowling, their strengths, what they’ve been doing — all that’s normal for everybody, not only Abhishek,” said Kotak.
The 25-year-old from Punjab missed the Namibia match after being hospitalised with a severe stomach infection before the sport.
‘Clear Plans And Clear Mindset’
The batting coach also warned against overthinking after a few failures.
“Abhishek, before he fell unwell, made runs in matches. Within the T20 format also, sometimes 10 balls 30 is as essential. Not like he hasn’t scored runs. T20 format is high risk, someone will get out. If we stress a lot, players will likely be under pressure. He’s in good form, has clear plans and a transparent mindset, that’s what matters for us.”
Regarding the batters’ performance against spinners within the league stage up to now, Kotak was pleased with how they played, especially on tricky wickets in Wankhede and Colombo.
“Playing aggressive cricket is essential. But not due to a player’s couple of failures will change. If anything, the plans will change in line with situation and conditions. Like Mumbai game, where Surya has to remain there for some time, he was run-a-ball roughly for 30-35 balls, that’s playing to the situation,” he said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
February 17, 2026, 20:30 IST
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