Trisha Ghosal in Manchester
India began Day 4 looking ragged in the field, with Ben Stokes smashing his way to a century, his first in nearly two years. But by the tea break, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul had completely shifted the mood with a defiant, composed partnership. In the post-day press conference, India’s batting coach Shitanshu Kotak addressed questions on technique, temperament, and selection decisions, while throwing light on the philosophy driving India’s Test batting.
Do India have any Test specialists left?
Kotak admitted bluntly: “There’s no so-called Test specialist in this batting pack.” But he insisted that the modern all-format player is capable of adapting to the demands of red-ball cricket especially with the right mindset. “Today, everyone wants to play white-ball cricket. But mental adaptability is key. Whatever format or situation you are in, you have to mould your approach accordingly.”
On KL Rahul and Shubman Gill’s partnership
The coach praised both batters for their clarity and belief. “When you lose early wickets, it’s easy to panic. But even at lunch, they were calm. They backed themselves to play out the tough phase. KL’s defensive technique against the new ball was outstanding. And Gill, after a few streaky moments, started trusting his game and played to his strengths.”
Dropped Karun Nair after Gill backed him – why?
Gill had publicly supported Karun Nair ahead of this match, but India brought in Sai Sudharsan instead. Asked about the decision, Kotak deflected specifics. “Selection is between Gautam [Gambhir] and the captain. But Karun did not bat badly in this series. He got starts. It’s just that the team management might’ve felt a change was needed after three Tests. That doesn’t mean we don’t back him.”
No No.3 stability?
Kotak dismissed any crisis at No. 3. “Sai batted well in the first innings. Yes, he got out early in the second. But I don’t see it as a concern. Even Karun had starts. The key is to convert.”
Can India bat five sessions to save a match?
“When people talk about batting five sessions, it’s rare. But this group has that quality. It’s about recognising match situations, not formats. Today’s players are capable of doing what’s needed, and that’s what we focus on.”
Why not play a specialist bowler instead of an extra all-rounder?
Kotak pointed to the existing balance. “We already play two spinners who can bat, three quicks, and a pace-bowling all-rounder. That gives us six options. Even then, the captain sometimes struggles to distribute overs evenly. So playing four pure fast bowlers could create other imbalances.”
Any update on Rishabh Pant?
“Yes, Rishabh will bat tomorrow,” Kotak confirmed.
With the second new ball due in the first session, and rain potentially in the mix, India’s batters may have to summon every ounce of that “mental adaptability” Kotak keeps talking about. Another dramatic finish might just be brewing.
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