India head coach for Ireland tour Sitanshu Kotak on Tuesday was defensive about the team management too much with their winning formula in the ongoing series against Ireland in Malahide. India have won the first two matches and are chasing a series whitewash hence the stand-in for Rahul Dravid said that meddling with their team might not be an option.
“We will discuss the team in the evening, but if there is a possibility of giving them an opportunity, we will give," the former Saurashtra batter said at the pre-match press conference. “It is a short series; the first was a half game in a way. If we have to give an opportunity to someone, we will have to drop another — it is difficult to rest someone after giving just one match.
“Normally in a five-match series, we try that everybody gets a game or two. We have only three matches here — half of one game got rained off — it is difficult to leave out those who are playing,” he said.
He added that with the return of fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna after their respective back surgeries, the consensus is that both need more game time ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures. Both bowlers have made a notable impact on the Ireland series, clinching two wickets in the first two matches and helping India to take an unassailable lead in the series.
“Not really (any) pressure, I would say. They were at the NCA for their RTPs (return to play) and strength and all. They are very smart; they never looked like they did not get a game, or were out of practice. They looked ready in practice,” he said.
Kotak further emphasised the need for the pacers to gain more game exposure in the run-up to the World Cup. "It is just that these guys need more game time before the World Cup. They will get three games in this series and (also) a few matches in the Asia Cup,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his responsibilities and association with the team, Kotak shed light on his past endeavours and current role. “I did two assignments with the Indian team last year, but as a head coach, this is the first tour. Rahul bhai and the rest of the coaching staff are preparing for the Asia Cup.
"However, having overseen the India A team since 2019, I'm familiar with most players, barring Bumrah and Prasidh. The talent pool we have is outstanding, and it’s a tremendous experience working alongside them,” he observed.
He also spoke of young batter Tilak Varma's performances. Varma, who faced early dismissals in both T20Is, had sought advice on his game strategy during an optional training. “He just wanted to practice. He discussed his mindset, shot selection, and we had a standard chat about his plans and my thoughts. During tours, conversations mostly revolve around tactics. He was keen on understanding how to structure his innings for the upcoming match."
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