‘Why would anyone tell him how hot he is?’: Sitanshu Kotak backs Rishabh Pant’s attacking approach

TimesofIndia.com in Mullanpur: Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes Rishabh Pant should continue with his natural game and dismissed suggestions that only a wicket-keeper batsman should adjust his approach according to match situations.“I don’t think Rishabh himself has to play according to the situation. Every player has a different style. Sai Sudharsan plays different, Shubman Gill plays different, KL Rahul plays different and Rishabh plays different. We want everyone to play their own game with complete freedom,” Kotak said after India’s dominant performance in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.Kotak explained that while every player has the freedom to express themselves, the demands of the team remain paramount.“When a team needs something specific in red-ball cricket, every batsman has to respond to that need. But Rishabh is a senior player who understands the game. Why would anyone tell him how to bat? He reads the bowlers, bowls and often tries things the bowlers don’t expect. That’s his strength.”The batting coach felt Pant’s innings showed exactly why he remains one of the most dangerous players in world cricket.“He might have conceded a hundred or more runs but I thought he batted really well. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan also batted exceptionally well.”Kotak was equally effusive in his praise of debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, whose impressive performance with both bat and ball confirmed the team’s faith in him.“He is a very good prospect and has been coming through the system for the last couple of years. From Ranji Trophy to India Emerging and India A, he has performed consistently. The BCCI structure gives players exposure and opportunities and Manav has made the most of them.”Having followed Suthar’s development closely, Kotak admitted that he was never surprised to see the youngster emerge.“From the moment I first saw him, I felt he would play for India one day. He is talented, hardworking, consistent and a really good passer. The timing of opportunities is never guaranteed, but he always looked like a player destined to represent India.”The coach defended India’s decision to bat again after dismissing Afghanistan cheaply in the first innings.“Once they were bowled out for 151, everyone felt it was important to bowl again if they got out before lunch. There will be times in a Test match when we need to bowl 100 or 120 overs. It’s not just about giving the batsmen more practice. It’s also about preparing the bowlers, especially the spinners, for long spells.”Kotak also highlighted Washington Sundar’s maturity and professionalism.“Washington has been around this system for a long time. What has impressed me most is that his work ethic never wavers, whether he is playing, sitting, batting or bowling. That consistency is why he continues to contribute whenever the team needs him.”Asked about teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Kotak said the 15-year-old’s talent cannot be ignored.“The way he’s played in the last two years, especially in the IPL against world-class bowlers, is unbelievable for someone so young. He’s an exciting talent. Right now the goal is to understand what helps him the most and support his development without overwhelming him with changes.”