Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said India may consider changes for the must-win Zimbabwe match after the South Africa loss, with Sanju Samson’s return under discussion.
India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa has prompted a rethink within the camp ahead of the must-win Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday. With semi-final qualification at risk, the team management is considering changes to the playing XI.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that team combinations remain under review. He added that selections are never finalised too early and internal talks will continue.
Kotak explained that net routines do not indicate selection plans. He said Abhishek often bats later in practice, while Sanju Samson trains in multiple batting roles depending on specific drills and preparation needs.
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“There can be changes. Obviously, we discuss these things because the two openers and the number three are left-handed, and the opposition has an off-spinner. Personally, I don’t think that is a problem, but since we lost three games and lost a wicket in the first over, any team would think about it. We are thinking and will see how it goes. We never decide the team too early, and it is not fair to reveal our plans so far in advance. But yes, there will definitely be discussions,” Kotak said.
“Normally, Abhishek does not start batting in the nets; he usually bats second. As far as Sanju is concerned, he would normally bat if we have the time because he is the third opener. He bats in different slots, and sometimes he wants to do specific drills, so that is not an indication. Yes, there will definitely be discussions about playing him, but the nets do not give any indications,” he added.
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