Team India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, emphasized that wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson is versatile and capable of batting at any position in the lineup. Over the past year, the 30-year-old mainly opened the innings. With Shubman Gill returning as vice-captain, Samson opened alongside Abhishek Sharma in India’s first match of the Asia Cup 2025 against the UAE, helping the team secure a nine-wicket victory.
Ahead of India’s next game against Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai, Kotak spoke to the media on Friday, September 12, about Sanju’s role. He highlighted that Sanju can bat anywhere in the order, with no middle-order spot set in stone, and that the team is prepared to accommodate players wherever needed. The 52-year-old added:
“Sanju (Samson) hasn’t batted much at number five or six. But that doesn’t mean he can’t do it. I think Sanju is a good enough player to bat at any position. So, depending on the team’s requirements, the captain and head coach will decide, and he is more than happy to bat at any number.”
“If you look at our batting lineup, everyone is capable of finishing the match from any position. We have four or five aggressive players, and depending on the situation, the head coach and captain decide where to send them. Everyone is ready to bat at any number. For example, Sanju may have batted at number five in the last match, but in the next, he could bat anywhere. Nothing is fixed. Everyone knows their role and will be ready,” he added.
“No Agenda Or Bias Behind Arshdeep’s Exclusion” – Sitanshu Kotak
In his media briefing, Sitanshu Kotak also addressed pacer Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE, stating:
“The team will be picked according to the wicket, and the best XI suitable for that wicket. Our first discussion with the head coach and captain is obviously about this. Out of the 15, everyone deserves to play, but we can only field 11. So, after looking at the wicket and the opposition, the best XI at that time will play.”
“At times, when a player is not playing, it will be difficult for him because he may feel he is missing out. But at the end of the day, it’s a team sport. Everyone knows there is no agenda or personal liking. Whatever is best for the team, the captain and head coach will decide. I don’t think there is any doubt about it. So, whoever is not playing is always trying to help the players, and that’s how a team should function,” he added.
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