Ahead of India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup, Sanju Samson receives official message: 'He has not batted at 5-6 but ... '

TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: With anticipation building for the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday, Team India batter Sanju Samson has emerged as a central talking point. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, however, confirmed on Friday that while Samson has not regularly featured at No. 5 or 6, he is ready to embrace the challenge. “Sanju has not batted at 5-6, but he is happy to take the challenge,” Kotak told reporters on the sidelines of the Team India's net session at the ICC Academy.The team management, however, has kept its cards close when it comes to the final XI. On Arshdeep Singh’s chances, Kotak clarified: “Playing XI will be decided after having a look at the wicket. There is no agenda. There is no personal liking and disliking. All 15 are capable to play. It is all about what the coach and captain wants.”When asked about the high-voltage India-Pakistan encounter, Kotak stressed focus over hype, adding, “We are here to play, we are here to be competitive.”The coach also shed light on team dynamics. “After openers all the batters are floaters. All the players are ready to take the challenge. Shivam Dube is capable to bowl four overs. We have more than one finisher in our team. Shivam, Hardik and Axar can take any attack. It is great to have three or four players who can finish the job,” Kotak explained.On workload management, he drew a clear line: “Workload management is for bowlers, not batters. Only if batters feel that he needs a break then only we give them the break.”Defending champions India come into the match on the back of a commanding nine-wicket win against hosts UAE. With the Indian side confident and Samson tipped for a key role in the middle order, Sunday’s fixture in Dubai promises another chapter in cricket’s most intense rivalry.