India batting coach
Jaiswal, who featured in all three ODIs against Afghanistan earlier, was notably absent from the squad for the subsequent tour of England. With the return of senior figures and the established opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the left-hander faces a challenging path to securing a permanent role. However, Kotak remains confident in the youngster's trajectory, urging him to maintain his focus and readiness.
Managing competition and building for the future
Addressing the media on the eve of the first ODI, Kotak explained that the coaching staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, continues to invest heavily in Jaiswal’s development. He drew a parallel to the selection dilemmas faced when multiple high-quality players compete for a single position, noting that such scenarios are a natural byproduct of a deep talent pool.
“There is so much competition and so many players are performing,” Kotak said. “We all know he is one of the best batters, and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. As a support staff, we look after his skills, practice, and his mindset. It is not that somebody has been unfair to him. He should keep working hard and waiting for the opportunity.”
The role of experience in World Cup planning
As India begins its long-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Kotak emphasized the importance of blending youth with the experience of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He noted that these senior players play a vital role in mentoring the younger generation by sharing their extensive knowledge of various match conditions and high-pressure situations.
The coaching staff is currently adopting a series-by-series approach to squad management, aiming to expose players to diverse environments. Kotak pointed to the upcoming series in New Zealand as a critical opportunity to test the squad against different conditions, including moisture and grass-covered pitches, to ensure the team is prepared for any bowling attack or wicket type by the time the World Cup arrives.
Additionally, Kotak confirmed that veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remains a key part of the team's plans following his return to the white-ball squad after an eight-month absence. He also provided a positive update on Shubman Gill, confirming the captain is fit for the series opener after sustaining a minor blow to his right elbow during a training session with Mohammed Siraj.
