(Image source from: PTI)

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak mentioned on Tuesday that ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah will play in the final Group A match against the Netherlands. This is because the home team has already made it to the Super 8 stage of the competition. In the exciting match against Pakistan on Sunday, Bumrah was essential, taking key wickets by dismissing opener Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha. His timely wickets significantly hindered the rivals' run chase, leading to their defeat by 61 runs. The BCCI's sports science team has been monitoring Bumrah’s workload closely, ensuring he rests when the team management thinks it is necessary to keep him fit.

"Don't expect Bumrah to sit out. We'll make a decision later," Kotak stated at the pre-match press conference on Thursday. When asked about opener Abhishek Sharma’s health, following a stomach illness that required hospitalization and caused him to miss the game against Namibia, Kotak was hopeful. Abhishek returned for the match against Pakistan but did not score any runs. Still, Kotak believed in the young player’s ability, describing him as confident and likely to recover quickly. "He wasn’t feeling well. In the last match, he got out in the first over. We don’t want to overthink it. He has his strategy figured out," Kotak said concerning whether teams have figured out Abhishek’s style.

Kotak praised opener Ishan Kishan’s mindset, describing the keeper-batter as a "confident" individual. "He has always displayed great confidence since he was young. That attitude is beneficial in T20 cricket," Kotak said about Kishan, whose half-century was crucial in India’s victory over Pakistan by 61 runs. Kotak also remarked that India will not underestimate the Netherlands. "Since the beginning of this World Cup, we have seen that any team can win against any other. That is why every match holds great importance".