Team India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak hails Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma

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Team India secured a victory by four wickets in the first T20I match against New Zealand at the Hagley Park South in the central city of Christchurch.

During the match, Team India’s opening batsmen Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson provided a strong start to the side.

Facing just 33 balls, Samson smashed 67 runs, with the help of eight boundaries and four maximums, whereas Abhishek garnered 29 runs in 12 balls, including two boundaries and three maximums.

Speaking after the match, Team India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said that at times people need to understand that the management’s calls are for the good of the team.

“There is a lot of speculation in social media about the three openers. So, sometimes, social media should also appreciate that the team management calls are for the good of the team. Because, people want to play their own 11. It doesn’t work like that,” he said.

He then gave a special mention to Samson by saying that he is a power-packed player. The batting coach also heaped praise on the opening batsmen for showcasing their fearless attitude.

“Sanju is outstanding, he is a power-packed player. The way he approached the game yesterday. There are so many runs (to chase). If you ever put yourself in the place of a batsman and think that you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also be afraid of getting out. If you get out early in two or three games, you would think you would get dropped. So, overcoming all that and the intent (openers) they are showing, that excites me,” said Kotak.

“Really, it is amazing that on top of power, talent and intent and everything, they are controlling their minds also. To get them into that fearless attitude, it is unbelievable,” he added.

With this, the “Men in Blue” have taken a lead by 1-0 in the five-match T20I series against the “Black Caps”.

IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Match’s date and venue

The second T20I match is scheduled to be played on October 24 at the Hagley Park South in the central city of Christchurch.

(With PTI Inputs)

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