India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has thrown his weight behind Ishan Kishan, saying the wicketkeeper-batter’s strong international comeback comes as no surprise to those who have tracked his journey closely. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Kotak highlighted Kishan’s natural confidence and fearless approach — qualities he believes are tailor-made for modern T20 cricket.

“We all know how capable he is. He has always performed whenever he has played for India,” Sitanshu Kotak said. Their association goes back several years. Kotak revealed he has known Kishan since his India A days in 2019, and even earlier during the 2016–17 IPL season when Kishan was part of the Gujarat Lions setup.

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That long-standing connection gives Kotak a unique perspective on the left-hander’s temperament. “He has always been a confident player. That is his strength and his nature. He’s not someone who overthinks or cares too much about outside noise,” Kotak explained. In a format as volatile as T20 cricket, that mental clarity often separates match-winners from the rest.

Kishan’s ability to access all parts of the ground makes him especially dangerous. Whether it’s pace or spin, powerplay or middle overs, he has the range to dominate bowlers.

“If you see his innings, he plays shots all around the ground. He’s very difficult to restrict if you don’t get him out,” Stianshu Kotak added — a statement that underlines why teams are wary of giving him a start.

Meanwhile, with India already through to the Super 8 stage, questions were raised about possible player rotation ahead of the Netherlands clash. Kotak indicated that rest decisions, including for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, would be taken later.

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Bumrah was instrumental in India’s dominant win over Pakistan, delivering key breakthroughs that triggered a collapse. However, Kotak stressed that India will not take the Netherlands lightly. “In this World Cup, any team can beat any team. Every game matters,” he said, reinforcing India’s focus-driven approach.