Not overanalysing Abhishek Sharma’s form: Sitanshu Kotak

AHMEDABAD: India’s path to the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals became slightly clearer on Tuesday after Australia’s shock group-stage exit. Had Mitchell Marsh’s side advanced, they would have joined India, South Africa and the West Indies in the same Super 8 group. Instead, Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe will now face India on Feb 26.

While Australia’s early departure may ease the degree of difficulty, India’s camp insists it changes little. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s final league match against the Netherlands, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the team remains focused on defending its title, regardless of opposition.

“Everyone was thinking that Australia would qualify and come into our group in the Super 8s. We knew about this possibility too. But when they lost to Zimbabwe, we realised Zimbabwe might end up in our group,” Kotak told reporters. “We knew the match against Sri Lanka would be tough for Australia, looking at the conditions. I don’t think we are bothered about what happened. Either we play Australia, or we play Zimbabwe. We will just try to do our best against whoever we play.” Kotak also threw his weight be-hind Abhishek Sharma, who has registered ducks in his last two ap-appearances. The opener was unwell in the lead-up to the Pakistan game.

“He wasn’t well. In the last match he got out in the first over. We don’t overanalyse unnecessarily. He has his plans and knows how he wants to play,” Kotak said. “T20 is such a format — you can lose your wicket. That’s okay.”

With India set to play their Super 8 clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad, Kotak underlined the importance of adapting to conditions. “It would be good to get used to the conditions here. Looking at the wicket, we may tweak the playing XI. But the intensity will remain the same,” he said, adding that premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to be rested for the Netherlands game. “We’ll decide later, but I don’t think Bumrah will rest.”

Kotak reserved special praise for Ishan Kishan, whose half-century set up India’s win over Pakistan. “We know how capable Kishan is. He’s very confident and natural.”