Two days out from one of cricket’s most anticipated contests, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has stressed that the team’s attention is firmly fixed on the game itself, and not on the political noise that often surrounds matches against Pakistan. With the 2025 Asia Cup gearing up for its marquee India-Pakistan showdown, Kotak underlined the importance of preparation, adaptability, and clarity in the squad’s approach.
“For the players and for us,” Kotak said, “Once the BCCI says and they are aligned with the government, we are here to prepare and we are here to play. It will be a competitive game. An India-Pakistan game is always a competitive game. So, we would rather focus on that.”
Keeping Politics Out of Play
The India-Pakistan rivalry is never just about cricket, and off-field tensions inevitably color the build-up. Recent political hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack in April have amplified calls in some quarters for India to boycott matches against Pakistan. Yet Kotak insisted the players remain unaffected by outside pressures.
“Honestly, I don’t think so [not tough],” Kotak said when asked if it was difficult to focus purely on cricket in such a climate. “Once we are here to play, I think players are focused on playing cricket. I personally don’t think they have anything in mind apart from playing cricket. And that’s what we focus on.”
His words echoed a long-standing philosophy in Indian cricket camps: let administrators deal with politics, while players keep their eyes on performance. For a squad preparing to face its fiercest rivals, the spotlight is firmly on execution, not emotion.
Batting Order Flexibility at the Core
Alongside the political undercurrent, the other key talking point heading into this clash is India’s batting order. The attention has particularly turned to Sanju Samson, who is expected to slot into the middle order at No. 5 or 6. Samson has enjoyed his best performances as a top-order batter, but Kotak said the current team strategy requires flexibility.
“If you look at our batting line-up, everyone is capable of going to any number and finishing the match,” Kotak explained. “Although, we have four-five aggressive players who, according to the situation, either the head coach or the captain decides where to send them. More or less everyone is prepared to bat at any number.”
Kotak emphasized that while the openers and the No. 3 spot are relatively settled, the rest of the order is fluid. Players have been mentally and technically prepared to adapt based on match conditions, opponents, and game situations.
“So there is nothing fixed. Everyone knows their role. So, according to the situation, they will be ready. Obviously, the openers and No. 3, we think about particular players. But after that, if required, I think all the players also now mentally and skill-wise, they are prepared to bat at any number. And I think that’s a good sign.”
Depth in Finishers: A Strategic Advantage
India’s squad is well-stocked with finishers, which Kotak described as a significant strength. Alongside Samson, the likes of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube have been identified as players who can close out an innings depending on match dynamics.
“Everyone knows their role,” Kotak said. “One thing. Maybe we have more than one finisher. So, seriously, depending on the situation, we can go accordingly.
“Because if you look at Shivam, if you look at Hardik, if you look at Axar, they all can do whatever is required depending on who is bowling, which bowler of the opposing team is left, how is the wicket. So, it is a great thing to have, where you have three [or] four guys who can go at any number.”
Such versatility gives the captain and coaching staff a tactical edge, particularly in high-pressure matches like those against Pakistan, where adaptability often decides the outcome.
Workload Management: No Concerns for Batters
Another question raised ahead of the Asia Cup centered on Shubman Gill, who will captain India in a Test series against the West Indies just three days after the tournament ends. Critics have questioned whether the tight schedule could impact his form or fitness.
Kotak, however, dismissed concerns about workload management for batters.
“I don’t know what you think about workload management. But workload management is generally done for bowlers, mainly fast bowlers,” he clarified. “If you talk about batters, if they mentally feel that cricket is too much for them, then it is a matter of thinking. Workload is actually managed by fast bowlers. I don’t think batsmen face workload management issues.”
In short, Kotak indicated that unless players feel mentally drained, batters do not need workload adjustments in the same way fast bowlers do.
Selection Calls: Team First
India’s selection choices have also been under scrutiny, particularly after Arshdeep Singh, the team’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals, was left out of the opening game. Kotak explained that the decision was made based on conditions in Dubai, which favored spin and slower bowling.
“Everyone knows that there is no agenda,” Kotak insisted. “There is no personal liking, disliking. Whatever is best for the team, the captain and head coach will decide and do that. And I don’t think there is any doubt in anybody’s mind. So, whoever is not playing, they are always trying to help the guys who are playing. And I think that’s the way the team should play.”
This reassurance highlighted the unity within the squad, where even those on the bench are seen as crucial contributors to the team environment.
The Bigger Picture
India’s preparations ahead of their clash with Pakistan reflect a balanced approach—acknowledging the significance of the rivalry but refusing to let politics or external pressures overshadow the cricket. Kotak’s message was consistent: focus on the contest, adapt to conditions, and trust the team’s depth and preparation.
As fans worldwide anticipate another chapter in the storied rivalry, the Indian team is determined to channel all attention into the game. In Kotak’s words, it will be “a competitive game,” and the players are ready to embrace that challenge.
