“I wouldn’t say it is pressure or inexperience” - Team India batting coach on India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has opened up on India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in their first Super8 clash of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, which is currently underway in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the reporters, Kotak didn’t blame pressure or inexperience for the team’s defeat to the Proteas. However, he went on to add that it was completely an off-day for the Indian batters in the chase.

“If you ask me, I wouldn’t say it is pressure. I would not say it is inexperience either. If we call it inexperience, after all the T20 games, IPL and international matches, I don’t know what you can call experience? Secondly, I don’t think there is any pressure. Today, particularly, I think we had a complete off day,” Kotak told reporters.

“If it goes to 220, then it’s a tough chase. But, 180, 190, you have to chase. So, pressure or inexperience, I don’t think it is the case,” he added.

Furthermore, the batting coach felt that there is a growing concern around Indian batters failing to tackle spinners in the ongoing tournament against quality sides, adding that Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir will talk about it.

“That is definitely a concern, and we will give it time and think about it. Do we have to do something about it? See, obviously, Surya and Gautam will talk about it. and if they feel that we need to do something different, we will do something different,” he noted.

“Now, we are in a situation where we have to think whether we need to change anything or do we still go with the same thing. And If we have to change something, what can we change and how do we change,” he stated.

India will next lock horns with Zimbabwe in their next Super8 clash on Sunday, March 1 in Chennai.

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