Indian Cricket Team Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak press conference | ENG vs IND, 1st Test | Rishabh

Sitanshu Kotak’s press conference after Day 2 of the first Test between England and India at Headingley

“A Day of Highs and Lessons”: Sitanshu Kotak Reflects on India’s Performance After Day 2 at Headingley

Leeds, June 21, 2025 — Following a gripping Day 2 in the opening Test between India and England at Headingley, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the media, offering insight into the team’s strong batting display and the need for sharper execution moving forward.

India’s Strong Foundation, But Room for Improvement
Kotak began by acknowledging the solid position India found themselves in at the start of the day, having resumed at 359/3. However, he admitted disappointment with the way the innings wrapped up. “We were in a commanding position but lost momentum after the dismissal of Rishabh (Pant). We could have pushed past 550,” Kotak remarked. “It was a bit of a collapse. The lower middle order and tail couldn’t stretch the innings the way we planned.”

Praise for Gill and Pant
The coach was full of praise for Shubman Gill, who registered a masterful 147, and Rishabh Pant, who scored an aggressive yet mature 87. “Shubman showed incredible patience and shot selection. Rishabh’s innings was a perfect example of controlled aggression. He’s growing into a thinking cricketer — assessing match situations and adapting accordingly,” Kotak explained.

Batting Philosophy and Intent
Kotak also addressed the team’s attacking approach, highlighting that the intent from the top order was a deliberate plan. “We’ve emphasized playing positive cricket. Whether it's Jaiswal’s strokeplay or the way Rishabh paces his innings, we want to keep pressure on the opposition. But we also talk a lot about game awareness — when to attack, when to consolidate.”

England’s Fightback and Conditions
Responding to questions about England’s late resurgence with the ball, Kotak credited the home side’s persistence. “They bowled well in the second session. Conditions were helpful with some reverse swing. We lost a few quick wickets, and that’s something we’ll address going into the next innings.”

Looking Ahead to Day 3
As England began their reply and reached 58/1 at stumps, Kotak emphasized the importance of capitalizing on India’s first-innings lead. “We’ve put up a good total, and now it’s about discipline with the ball. Our bowlers are experienced, and we’ll look to maintain pressure from both ends. Early wickets tomorrow can set the tone.”

Conclusion
In his closing remarks, Sitanshu Kotak reiterated the need for consistency across all sessions. “It was a day of highs — the centuries, the partnerships. But Test cricket tests you every hour. We’ll take the positives but remain focused. This game still has a lot of cricket left.”

India, having posted 471 and reduced England to 58/1, hold the edge going into Day 3 — but as Kotak rightly pointed out, the contest is far from over.

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