It is about assessing the conditions on the day of the match – Sitanshu Kotak on India’s planning against England

After India’s defeat in Manchester in the last game, there were several questions on whether India had enough in their bank?

India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, answered the question, citing that the number on the board was significant enough.

Talking at the pre-match presser, Kotak explained the conditions in the last two games and how that played a significant role in Shreyas Iyer taking the call at the toss.

Highlighting the total totted up by India in Manchester, Kotak said, “The green factor on the surface in the middle-over was predominant. Also, England bowled well. However, I believe that 190 was above par or at least a par score. We have put a good total on the board in both matches so far. Not every game will produce 215 or 250s. 190 or 200 is a significant score. This ground (Trent Bridge) will have its angles and slightly different dimensions. So obviously we will be calibrating things accordingly.”

Explaining the conditions, Kotak added, “Whenever there is a day night game, and the dew comes in, then the team bowling second starts to think because it’s tough to bowl in such conditions. Since the wicket will be the same in both the innings and the game is at five in the evening, then you take a look at your combination and decide if you want to post a target or shoot one down.”

Kotak further stated, “You also take the venue into consideration. Now the last two games played in Chester-le-Street and Manchester, respectively, we felt that batting first was the right call. Also in Manchester, the track record suggests that the team which has batted first, has won more games. It is about assessing the conditions on the day of the match. Weather also plays an important role. We have felt that batting first in the first two games was a good option.”