Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma: Key Qualities That Keep Them in the Spotlight

In the world of Indian cricket, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has praised openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for their exceptional qualities that keep them in the team's lineup. Despite calls for young talent Vaibhav Surya to be included, Kotak emphasizes the importance of experience and mental resilience in high-pressure situations. As discussions about the selection of openers heat up, fans are left wondering about Surya's potential debut. This article delves into the attributes that make Samson and Sharma indispensable to the team and the strategic decisions behind player selections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 23, 2026, 15:18 IST

Praise for Samson and Sharma

The batting coach of the Indian cricket team, Sitanshu Kotak, has expressed high regard for openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. He highlighted the attributes that have led the team management to consistently place their trust in these players. According to Kotak, in addition to their strength, talent, and intent to play, both Samson and Sharma possess remarkable self-control, which aids them in batting fearlessly even under pressure.

Meanwhile, there has been a growing call on social media for the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Surya in the playing eleven. Despite this, Kotak defended the management's ongoing support for Samson and Sharma.

Vaibhav Surya has not had the opportunity to play since the Asian Games. However, with Ishan Kishan sidelined due to injury ahead of the second T20 match against New Zealand, Surya's chances of being included in the team have increased. This has sparked discussions regarding the selection of openers.

While some cricket fans advocate for Surya's inclusion in the playing eleven, the team management remains committed to the pairing of Samson and Sharma.

Responding to the discussions surrounding the three openers on social media, Kotak emphasized that fans should understand that the management's decisions are made with the team's best interests in mind. The selection of the playing eleven cannot be based solely on personal preferences or social media demands. The choice of players is determined by their performance, the team's needs, and strategic considerations.

Kotak particularly praised Sanju Samson, noting that he is a formidable player. He commended Samson's performance in the first match, highlighting the challenge of starting aggressively when facing a significant target. Kotak illustrated that expecting a batsman to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs naturally creates pressure, which can lead to the fear of losing wickets. However, Samson impressed with his intent.

He further explained that if a batsman gets out early in two or three consecutive matches, it can instill fear of being dropped from the team. Nevertheless, both openers have demonstrated strong intent through their playing style. Kotak remarked that the mental balance and ability to handle pressure set Samson and Sharma apart from others. Both players play fearlessly and do not shy away from adopting an aggressive approach.

Kotak's statements indicate that the team management is keen on providing ample opportunities to the opening pair of Samson and Sharma. Their strength, talent, aggressive intent, and mental resilience are key reasons for the team's confidence in them. The decision to give a chance to young talents like Vaibhav Surya will be made considering the team's needs and strategy. Thus, fans may have to wait for Surya's international debut, although discussions about his selection have intensified following Kishan's unavailability.