‘It doesn’t work like that’: India coach still tense over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s XI chances

NEW DELHI: Indian batsman Sitanshu Kotak has kept tension over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s chances of starting in the second T20I against New Zealand, insisting that the team management’s selection decision must be seen in the larger interest of the side. With Ishan Kishan ruled out of Saturday’s game due to injury, the 15-year-old batting sensation could be in contention, but Kotak has backed current pacers Sanja Samson and Abhishek Sharma.Kishan was ruled out of the second T20I after suffering a low right adductor strain during India’s four-wicket win in the series opener. The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress.Sooryavanshi, who has been on the sidelines since the Asian Games, is one of the possible options as India prepare to face New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. However, Kotak emphasized that the selection cannot be driven by social media demands.“…there is a lot of speculation on social media about the three openers. So sometimes social media should also appreciate that the team management’s calls are for the good of the team. Because people want to play their own XI. That’s not how it works,” Kotak said on the eve of the second T20I.

‘Sanju is excellent’: Kotak backs openers

Kotak reserved special praise for Samson, who smashed 67 off 33 balls in the opener, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 29 off just 12 deliveries. Their opening stand of 93 runs laid the foundation for India’s successful chase of 226.“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 a batsman’s place and think you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also fear getting out.”“If you get out early in two or three games, you’re going to think you’re going to go down. So to overcome all that and the intent (the openers) are showing, that excites me.“It’s really amazing that in addition to power and talent and intent and everything, they’re also in control of their minds. To get them in that fearless stance is incredible,” Kotak said.

Kishan’s absence opens up a selection question

New Zealand posted 225/4 in the first T20I with Glenn Phillips scoring an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls. India recovered from a brief middle-order wobble to complete the chase in 19.4 overs, with Shreyas Iyer making 42 and Naman Dhir remaining unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls.Kishan’s absence leaves India with a selection decision ahead of the second match. Sooryavanshi’s inclusion remains a possibility, but Kotak’s comments underscore the team’s faith in Samson and Abhishek, whose fearless approach proved crucial in the series opener.