The claim that Sitanshu Kotak's arrival as India's batting coach has triggered a visible shift in the team's batting approach has been met with skepticism and humor by fans. While Kotak's appointment was intended to bolster the batting lineup, particularly after struggles in previous series, some observers believe it's premature to attribute any significant changes solely to his influence.
Kotak himself has downplayed the notion that his arrival has revolutionized the team's batting. Ahead of the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, he stated that it would be "unfair" to suggest that his presence alone has been the catalyst for any perceived improvements. He emphasized that the Indian team already possesses great batters and that success ultimately depends on playing good cricket on any given day.
Several factors contribute to this tempered assessment. First, Kotak's tenure has been relatively short. He joined the team's support staff prior to the limited-overs series against England and the Champions Trophy, leaving limited time to implement sweeping changes. As Kotak himself noted, after the Australia series, Champions Trophy and IPL he didn't have much time to implement changes but Shubman Gill did make changes himself.
Second, attributing changes solely to coaching overlooks the inherent talent and adaptability of the players. Kotak lauded Shubman Gill's ability to adapt to different situations and play according to the team's needs. He also praised KL Rahul's flexibility and willingness to take on different roles in the batting order. Such player attributes are crucial for success and cannot be solely credited to coaching interventions.
Third, the conditions and match situations play a significant role in shaping batting performances. Kotak acknowledged that pitches can vary and that different batting strategies are required depending on whether the team is batting first or second. He highlighted instances where the top order and middle order have stepped up at different times, indicating a collective effort rather than a top-down shift in approach.
The debate surrounding Kotak's impact also touches upon the broader issue of perceived advantages in tournaments. Kotak dismissed claims that India benefited from playing all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, arguing that the tournament draw was predetermined and that success depends on playing well regardless of the venue.
Ultimately, while Sitanshu Kotak's expertise and guidance are undoubtedly valuable, it's crucial to recognize the multifaceted nature of team performance. Attributing a "visible shift" in batting solely to his arrival oversimplifies the complex interplay of talent, conditions, and strategic decision-making. As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" and in the case of India's batting lineup, the foundation was already strong, with Kotak's role being to fine-tune and optimize existing strengths.
