By Trisha Ghosal in London
The turnaround between India’s emphatic Test win at Edgbaston and the third Test at Lord’s is brief. The team arrived in London yesterday, and today at the ‘Home of Cricket’, on matchday minus two, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the media with sharp insight into India’s batting mindset, Gill’s purple patch, Rishabh Pant’s process, and how Lord’s may pose fresh challenges.
Is this ‘aggressive’ red-ball batting? Or just high-skill batting?
Kotak was quick to clarify what many are terming as “aggressive” cricket. “Even if they don’t look for runs actively, we’re still scoring at nearly four-an-over,” he said. “That’s just the skill level. They’re playing on merit and not forcing the issue and that’s what’s keeping them out there for longer.” According to Kotak, the focus isn’t on boundary-hitting. “If you don’t play undue shots, you stay longer. That’s the red-ball rule.”
Gill’s dominance: Technique or temperament?
On Shubman Gill’s breathtaking 430-run aggregate across two innings at Edgbaston, Kotak was clear: “It’s more mental. He made a slight technical adjustment, yes, but it’s the mindset shift that’s made him this consistent.” Kotak pointed to how Gill self-corrected between innings after a loose shot in Leeds. “He recognised it and didn’t repeat it, that’s maturity.”
Was Edgbaston really like a sub-continent pitch?
Responding to Ben Stokes’ claim that Edgbaston behaved like a subcontinent wicket, Kotak disagreed. “Even in the 40th over, the ball was moving,” he said. “There was spin on the last day from footmarks, not the pitch itself. It was designed to be a high-scoring wicket with bounce and carry.”
Lord’s slope and fresh grass — is it a real challenge?
Kotak acknowledged that the Lord’s surface, seen today, had “a little zip and green tinge”, but said the final call would depend on how the wicket looks after the final cut tomorrow. “At Lord’s, scores in both innings tend to be low. So yes, it will be more challenging. But again mindset matters. Time on the pitch is your best friend here.”
Workload — is Pant’s dual role sustainable?
While Kotak didn’t dwell much on fatigue, he admitted that Pant’s dual role does bring a heavier load. “Yes, No.5 gives him a little breathing space. But it’s more about mindset than rest. Batters need to switch on again for the next game.”
Jofra Archer threat, possible England changes?
“We’ll have to see,” Kotak said, on facing Jofra Archer. “But challenges are expected. If England prepare a slightly spicier pitch, that’s fair. No complaints. You bat well, you score. If you don’t, any pitch is difficult.”
More than anything, Kotak’s message was simple: trust the skill, respect the red ball, and don’t look for shortcuts especially not boundaries.
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