There will be no rest for Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma in India’s final group-stage match against the Netherlands, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Tuesday, February 17. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, Kotak emphasised that India need valuable match experience in Ahmedabad, as they are scheduled to return to the venue for a Super 8 clash and potentially the final.
Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah fell sick in the lead-up to the World Cup. While Bumrah was able to recover after India’s opener against the USA, Abhishek Sharma’s condition worsened. After high fever in the USA match, Abhishek was hospitalised in Delhi due to a stomach bug. He did not look fully fit against Pakistan as well.
After a stuttering start against the USA, India bounced back strongly against Namibia in the T20 World Cup. They then dominated Pakistan in their third Group A fixture and will now look to finish the group stage on a high with another victory against the Netherlands.
Kotak also backed Abhishek Sharma, who recently recovered from illness. The batting coach revealed that Abhishek was unwell in the lead-up to the Pakistan game and insisted there was no need to overanalyse his four-ball duck in Colombo.
Abhishek entered the T20 World Cup with significant momentum but has yet to score in two matches. However, Kotak said the youngster had his plans in place and was confident they would come good on Wednesday.
“He wasn’t well. Last game he got out in the first over. We don’t want to overanalyse. He has his plans sorted,” Kotak said.
With India set to play a Super 8 fixture — and possibly the final — in Ahmedabad, Kotak stressed the importance of gaining familiarity with the conditions. India carry difficult memories at this venue, having lost to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final here.
“Every game is important, but considering we have a Super 8 game coming up — and the final could be here — it would be nice if we get used to the conditions,” Kotak concluded.
India’s Super 8 campaign begins on February 22, where they take on South Africa, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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