India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak is optimistic about Ishan Kishan's availability for the fifth and last T20I against New Zealand which is scheduled to be played on January 31. The team recently dealt with an unexpected hurdle when the in-form wicketkeeper was sidelined for the fourth match in Vizag due to a minor niggle. However, early signs suggest the injury is not severe, as Kishan was seen in high spirits on the sidelines and actively assisting his teammates by carrying drinks during match breaks.
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Ishan Kishan likely to play 5th T20I against New Zealand
While his presence on the field was an encouraging sign for fans and management alike, his return to the playing XI is not yet guaranteed. Kotak noted that while there is a strong possibility of Kishan being available for the series finale, the coaching staff is deferring to the medical experts. The final call rests with the team physios, who will assess his recovery to ensure he is fully fit for the high-stakes encounter.
“Very likely, I think he will (play), as far as I know. The physios are here to watch him, and obviously they will take a call,” Kotak said in the pre-match press conference.
Kishan has been a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing series. Kishan has scored a total of 112 runs across three matches in the ongoing series, which included a lightning 32-ball 76 in the second T20I.
Kotak also addressed Sanju Samson's form. However, he made it clear that team management wants Samson in good frame of mind. Despite Samson's recent struggles, batting coach affirmed that the team management still views the 31-year-old as a vital senior player. The leadership remains fully aware of the destructive potential Samson possesses when opening the innings, even though both the player and the staff openly acknowledge that he has underperformed throughout the current New Zealand series.
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We all know what he is capable of: Sitanshu Kotak on Sanju Samson
Rather than increasing the pressure, the trio of Kotak, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Suryakumar Yadav are focused on supporting the batter's mental well-being. Their current priority is to keep Samson in a positive headspace, ensuring that he is mentally prepared to capitalize on his opportunities and return to his best form as soon as he finds his rhythm again.
"Sanju is Sanju. Okay, probably he has not scored as many runs as everybody would have liked, but that’s part of the game. Sometimes you have five innings in a row when you score heavily, and sometimes you don’t. So it’s all down to the individual and how he keeps his mind strong, and obviously our job is to keep him in a good frame of mind and make sure he practises and works hard. We all know what Sanju is capable of, so I don’t think there’s anything more to say about Sanju, because he’s been really good,” Kotak said at the pre-match press conference," Kotak concluded.