India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has indicated that Ishan Kishan is very likely to return for the fifth T20I against New Zealand, while firmly backing out-of-form Sanju Samson and praising the team’s attacking batting template built around Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma.

Team backing Sanju Samson despite lean run

Kotak admitted Samson is in a “tight period” but stressed that the management’s faith in him has not wavered. Samson has scored just 40 runs in four innings in this series at an average of 10, yet Kotak called him a senior, highly rated player and said the support staff’s job is to keep him in a good frame of mind as he continues to train hard at nets before the Thiruvananthapuram finale. He also noted that if Samson plays on Saturday, it will be his first international appearance at his home ground, the Greenfield Stadium.

Kishan “very likely” to play 5th T20I

Kotak revealed that Kishan, who missed the fourth T20I with a minor fitness issue, is expected to be available for the series finale. He described Kishan as someone who has “always been good whenever he got an opportunity” and highlighted his impact in the powerplay, where India want someone to bat with sustained intent. While the final call rests with the physio, Kotak said that “very likely” Kishan will play, underlining how much value the team places on his aggressive starts at the top.

Abhishek, Surya, Kishan driving attacking template

Kotak said the recent white-ball series against South Africa and New Zealand have been crucial rehearsal blocks for the T20 World Cup, helping India lock in combinations and roles. He pointed out that having naturally attacking batters like Kishan, Suryakumar and Abhishek allows India to stick to an aggressive batting approach regardless of whether they are setting or chasing a total. Plans are tweaked based on wickets in hand and match situation, but the underlying philosophy remains positive.

On Abhishek, Kotak explained that while the left-hander is batting in “top gear”, his strokeplay is built on strong basics rather than slogging. Abhishek regularly consults Gambhir, Kotak, Suryakumar and others, and is seen as a clever player who chooses high-percentage shots to match specific lengths and lines. That blend of bravery and sound technique is exactly what the management wants from an attacking opener.

Suryakumar’s return to runs delights support staff

Kotak also welcomed captain Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form with back-to-back fifties after a barren patch. He reiterated that Surya has long been regarded as T20’s best batter and that the team always trusted he would find runs again. In T20s, Kotak said, even a 25 can be more valuable than a 60 depending on context, and Surya has continued to play for the team even through his lean phase. The coaching group is “glad” he has produced two substantial innings in succession, seeing it as an excellent sign heading into the World Cup.