T20 World Cup: Truly a match-winning innings from Sanju Samson, says Sitanshu Kotak

Sitanshu Kotak always put a heavy price on his wicket. Saurashtra’s doughty southpaw was a domestic giant. Never aesthetic in his approach, Kotak always made effective runs. Now in his role as the Indian team’s batting coach, he draws satisfaction from the way his wards perform.

He couldn’t stop smiling late on Sunday (March 1, 2026) night after Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 took India past the West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup clash at the Eden Gardens. “Sanju is such a class player. He batted really well. Truly a match-winning innings. Everybody knew that Sanju will perform,” Kotak told the media.

The batting coach admitted that some technical adjustments were made while Samson evolved: “He felt he was getting ready a little early. Sanju does two to three different things. We have been talking from the England series, about the short balls he got out to. All that we discussed.”

Through his knock, Samson looked assured, and Kotak explained: “The special feature about this innings was that it was completely under control. That’s what you expect from someone like Sanju who is so experienced. He has scored so many runs in internationals, in the IPL. In a way, he has been a leader. So, that’s what you expect from someone like him.”

Kotak also praised Tilak Varma: “Tilak is very flexible. He never talks about the batting order. If you want him to open, he is ready. Number three, he really enjoys. Now, with the situation of having three left-handers in a row, he knew that the batting order was changing for that reason. Obviously, Surya, we won’t change, so Tilak goes in at five. He understands that. Though he is aggressive, he plays according to the merit of the ball. He doesn’t blindly slog the ball.”