Kotak rules out experimentation in Dutch clash with eye on future games

India have qualified for the Super 8s and have their upcoming venues and opponents decided. Despite the inconsequential nature of their final group match against the Netherlands, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak says the team will not experiment.

The focus is on acclimatizing to conditions at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, where potential future matches, including a key contest against South Africa on June 22 and the final, could be held.

"Every match is important for us," Kotak said. "On this ground, after this, the next match is on the 22nd. And the final can be here too. So obviously, it is good for the players to get used to this condition."

He indicated there would be no major experiments, though team selection might adapt to the pitch. "I don't think there'll be any experiments. But yes, looking at the wicket and conditions, we might try something different," he said, hinting at a possible extra pacer given spinners' struggles in Ahmedabad this tournament.

Kotak emphasized maintaining winning momentum. "Every game is important, your team wants to be in the same momentum. So for us, it is not a less pressure game or more pressure game."

On Abhishek Sharma's Form

All-rounder Abhishek Sharma is yet to score a run in the tournament, but Kotak expressed confidence in him. "We unnecessarily don't over-analyse… He is someone who has got his plan sorted and he follows the way he wants to."

Praise for Ishan Kishan

Kotak praised Ishan Kishan's seamless return to international cricket. "He has always performed whenever he has played for India… He's very talented because if you see his innings, he'll play everywhere in the ground. He's someone who is very difficult to restrict if you don't get him out. He's been in a positive mindset since he came."