Kotak Sheds Light On Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhir’s Call On Axar Patel Snub: ‘Explained Sundar's Selection To Him’

India vs South Africa T20 World Cup: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak revealed that captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir personally informed Axar Patel of the reasons behind his exclusion from the playing XI for the T20 World Cup Super Eight encounter against South Africa.

Sundar replaced Axar in the playing XI for the first Super Eight fixture, with batting coach Kotak claiming that the all-rounder's spirit remains unchanged despite the selection decision, following India's 76-run loss to the Proteas.

"See, obviously, Surya and Gautam both spoke to him. Which is obvious, whether we say it or not. We thought that an off-spinner was needed because three left-handers up front. We got the wickets in the beginning. Washington didn't bowl in the Powerplay,” Kotak said after the match.

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"But, actually, he was supposed to bowl in a Powerplay. So, that can change according to the match. For that reason, this combination was decided. And the rest - what you are saying about confidence - Axar is such a player; he has played so much and performed so much, he doesn't lack confidence. It was very clear from him, and from the head coach and the captain, what we are thinking and why we are doing this,” he added.

Kotak cited South Africa's left-handed top order as the rationale for choosing an off-spinner.

"See, basically, if we felt that Sanju's last few innings were low on confidence and Ishan was scoring runs, then obviously you go with Ishan. Now we are in a situation where we have to think about whether we need to change anything or if we should still go with the same thing. But yes, it is definitely something to think about. If we have to change something, what do we change and how do we change it?" Kotak cited.

With two must-win games ahead, India's Super Eight hopes hang by a thread after one defeat, but Kotak remains unfazed, stating the players are well-versed in handling pressure.

"See, I feel that even in a normal game, if you play in India, there is natural pressure. Any professional - any batsman or bowler - feels it when they are playing. There is more pressure on the batsman because it is a one-ball game. For a bowler, it is different. If he misses one or two balls, he can still bowl a good one,” the batting coach added.

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"But with the amount of cricket we play, we have to take that pressure. Everyone has to take it - that anxiety, that pressure. If a batsman does not take it at this level, or if a bowler does not take it, then where will he take it?” he added.