NEW DELHI: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak threw his weight behind struggling opener Abhishek Sharma but admitted the team management could consider tweaks at the top, including the option of playing Sanju Samson, in the must win Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe national cricket team on Thursday in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Abhishek arrived at the tournament in red hot form but has struggled to find his touch, managing only 15 runs from four games at an average of 3.75 and a strike rate of 75.

Kotak, however, remained confident about the left hander’s ability, pointing out that he had also missed a group stage match against Namibia due to a stomach bug.

"Abhishek's health was a little bad, and after that, there wasn't that much momentum. But in the last game (vs SA), he looked good, and over-thinking about one individual, personally, I never liked that," Kotak said during the pre-match press conference.

"If we focus so much on one person, then obviously, that person also will be under pressure. When he was scoring 80, 70, 90 in 30 balls or 100 in 40, 50 balls, that time nobody was discussing.

"Our job is to keep him in a good frame of mind. Once he starts hitting the ball again, you'll see the same Abhishek again. Now, in T20s, nobody can give a guarantee that he will do it in the next match. So, I think it's not far (Abhishek getting a big score)," he added.

Samson Option Under Consideration

Abhishek’s discomfort against off spinners in this tournament has been evident, including his dismissal to Netherlands rookie Aryan Dutt.

That naturally raises the question of whether Samson could slot in against Zimbabwe to counter spin.

Kotak did not dismiss the possibility but stopped short of confirming any change.

"There can be changes, yes, because two left-handers are opening, number three is left-handed, and opposition is bowling spin. I personally don't think there is any problem in that but because we lost the last game (against South Africa), we lost a wicket in the first over...obviously, any team would think," he said.

"We'll see how it goes because we never decide the team too early. And obviously, it's not fair to start telling your planning in advance. But there will be thoughts," he added.

Kotak also downplayed speculation after Samson was seen batting ahead of Abhishek in the nets.

"So, one thing that is normal in every net, Abhishek doesn't bat to start with. Okay, he always bats in a second and a third pair (of batters). So, that's one thing. Sanju would normally always bat up if we have that space because Abhishek doesn't bat first up. And Sanju is the third opener and a wicketkeeper.

"So, he bats anywhere. Sometimes he wants to do some drills and he goes behind and does things. So, that's not an indication (of Samson's inclusion). Yes, definitely there will be thought about playing him. But nets don't give any indication," he added.

No Concerns Over Tilak’s Strike Rate

Another talking point has been the relatively modest strike rate of No.3 batter Tilak Varma, whose 118 strike rate has slowed momentum after strong starts from Ishan Kishan.

Kotak, however, saw no cause for alarm.

"There are no issues with Tilak because in the Pakistan game, our target (while batting first) was 175, and on that wicket that was good enough. Ishan gave a good start. The ball was spinning there (in Colombo). So, any team wouldn't want to go 3-4 wickets at a time," he said.

"So. for Tilak also it is a matter of two boundaries. Sometimes a batsman doesn't get those balls. If he is at 34-35 in the 30th or 32nd ball, or at 28 in the 26th ball, if he gets one boundary, two boundaries and a six, then he will get a move on.

"So, I don't think there is a question of defending the ball. Neither does he have any such instruction nor does he think so himself. So, there is no tension over

Tilak or Abhishek," he added.

(With PTI Inputs)