India’s stand-in head coach Sitanshu Kotak feels that Indian speedsters Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna need more game time to get fully fit despite making a brilliant comeback in the Ireland series. The Indian pacers made a comeback into the side after a long-standing injury and will be part of the Indian team for the Asia Cup 2023.
Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna returned to the Indian team for the three-match Ireland series and impressed everyone with their bowling in the first two games as both pacers were brilliant for the Men in Blue with both new ball and old ball and looked completely fit going into the continental event.
Speaking to the media ahead of the 3rd game against Ireland, Sitanshu Kotak hailed the Indian speedster for their exceptional bowling on return from the injury as they worked hard on their return to the Indian team and feels that they need more match practice going into the ODI World Cup in India.
“They were at the National Cricket Academy for their RTPs (return to play) and strength and all. They are very smart; they never looked like they did not get a game, or were out of practice. They looked ready in practice,”
“It is just that these guys need more game time before the World Cup. They will get three games in this series and (also) a few matches in the Asia Cup,” Sitanshu Kotak said
The Karnataka pacer was highly impressive for the Indian team in the opportunities provided to him, as he bowls hard lengths with a good pace in the new ball and the old ball while Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s go-to bowler in all three formats of the game and can be crucial for the team’s success in Asia Cup and World Cup.
Tilak Varma Spoke About How To Build His Innings And How He Should Approach..- Sitanshu Kotak
Speaking on Tilak Varma’s performance in Ireland series, Sitanshu Kotak revealed that the youngster wanted to keep on practicing to improve his game and said that he is working on the mental aspect of the game to build the innings before taking on the bowlers.
“He just wanted to practice. He talked about his mindset, and his shot selection and it was a normal discussion on what I think and what his plans are. On tours, if anything, we talk more about tactics. He spoke about how to build his innings and how he should approach the last game.
“We do not speak much on technical aspects unless the player requires it and provided there is enough time. I do not think you can change a player technically during a series, within a week or two-three days,” Sitanshu Kotak added
Tilak Varma has impressed everyone with class and temperament in batting in International cricket and is potentially seen as a candidate to be part of the India squad for the ODI World Cup.