“He’s Now Focusing On Bowling” – India Coach On Star Batter

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has significantly improved his bowling and grown more consistent over time. Kotak made these remarks while addressing Jaiswal’s struggle to secure a regular spot in the white-ball playing XI.

The 23-year-old has cemented his place as one of the top Test openers in the world. Yet, despite an impressive IPL and domestic record, he has featured in only 23 T20Is and a single ODI. On the possibility of Jaiswal adding bowling to strengthen his selection case, Kotak commented during the press conference:

“Jaiswal always bowled leg spin. As an individual player, if it comes from within that he actually wants to bowl more and more, and I’ve been watching him for the last five to six years, but he looks more consistent now. So obviously he’s working more on his bowling which is a positive sign.”

Kotak further added:

“He’s in the squad and those in the squad are aware that their turn will come. At the end of the day, only 11 can play. So you have to wait for your turn and then perform.”

“Nitish Kumar Reddy Gets Game Time” – Kotak On Hardik’s Absence

Sitanshu Kotak feels that Hardik Pandya missing the ongoing Australian white-ball series might work in India’s favor, giving an opportunity to groom Nitish Kumar Reddy as a pace-bowling all-rounder. Hardik had sustained a left quadriceps injury during last month’s Asia Cup, which ruled him out of the final against Pakistan.

“Someone like Hardik is always a big loss anywhere. But because of his injury, if you look at the positive side, someone like Nitish Kumar Reddy is getting game time. Every team needs an all-rounder so we are trying to groom him also. So it’s good in that way but yes, any team would miss a player like Hardik,” said Kotak (via the aforementioned source).

He further added:

“For someone like Nitish and other youngsters, they practice a lot but they all need game time. Because executing those skills in a match against a strong opposition is when you learn a lot of things. That’s why in a way in hindsight it’s good he’s getting match time with Hardik’s injury. Playing first-class cricket and bowling there and playing in a series like this, there’s a huge difference.”