India batting coach backs opener’s high-risk approach despite two ducks at the T20 World Cup

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India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has played down concerns over Abhishek Sharma’s lack of runs at the ongoing T20 World Cup, insisting that the team management will not “unnecessarily over-analyse” the opener’s recent dismissals. Abhishek is yet to score a run in the tournament, but Kotak believes this is simply a by-product of the fearless, high-risk brand of cricket the left-hander is encouraged to play.

The intent behind that approach was clearly visible during India’s net session, where Abhishek’s duel with Arshdeep Singh drew plenty of attention. After briefly losing focus due to fans waving flags behind the sight screen, Abhishek adjusted his guard, opened up his stance and went on the offensive, repeatedly launching Arshdeep straight down the ground. Even when beaten by a slower ball, the contest ended with smiles and high-fives, underlining the confidence and clarity with which Abhishek operates.

The intensity only increased when head coach Gautam Gambhir stepped in and asked for a sustained examination against spin. With Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav bowling in tandem, Abhishek was instructed to continue attacking. He did so for nearly half an hour, mistiming only one shot, a session designed to simulate the kind of challenge he could face early in matches, including against Netherlands spinner Aryan Dutt.

Kotak later explained that Abhishek’s two ducks do not worry the team, pointing to his outstanding numbers against spin. Since the start of 2024, Abhishek has struck at 206.59 against spin in T20Is, the best among batters to have faced at least 100 deliveries.

The coach also highlighted that Abhishek’s tournament has been disrupted by illness, which forced him to miss the match against Namibia. His dismissals against the USA and Pakistan, Kotak argued, were more about execution on the day than any systemic issue, with Ali Khan and Salman Agha benefiting from well-placed fielders rather than elaborate plans.

Kotak dismissed suggestions that opposition teams have “worked out” Abhishek, even after Pakistan coach Mike Hesson hinted at detailed preparation. “If teams are planning so much against him, it’s actually a credit to the way he plays,” Kotak said. “You can’t really plan a dismissal like a mistimed shot to mid-on.”

Emphasising adaptability as the key to success in T20 cricket, Kotak cited Suryakumar Yadav’s rescue act against the USA, where he adjusted his natural attacking style to bat deep and guide India to 161 for 9. According to Kotak, such flexibility matters more than individual scores.

“In T20s, sometimes a 10-ball 30 is just as important,” he said. “What matters is understanding what the team needs at that moment and trying to execute it. Abhishek is in good form, has a clear mindset, and that’s what counts for us.”

With India firmly backing Abhishek’s intent-driven approach, the message from the dressing room is clear: aggression remains non-negotiable, and short-term failures will not derail long-term confidence.