'Players are focused on Pakistan clash and nothing else is on their minds' - India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak

Published - 13 Sept 2025, 10:47 IST | Updated - 13 Sept 2025, 11:17 IST

India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, says the Men in Blue are well-prepared for their highly anticipated Asia Cup encounter against Pakistan, despite external distractions.

While some fans have called for a boycott, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Kotak asserted that the outside noise is not shifting the players' focus. Kotak reiterated the Indian government’s stance of playing against Pakistan only in multi-national sporting events.

"Once BCCI said they are aligned with government's decision, our focus was always on the match. It's India versus Pakistan, and it will be an interesting game. India versus Pakistan is always a competitive game. Players are focused on the ground and nothing else is on their minds," Kotak was quoted as saying by India Today.

Ahead of the fixture, both India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha have mentioned that both teams will be at their aggressive best in the impending match.

"Aggression is always there on the field. Without aggression, you cannot play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow," Suryakumar Yadav said the captain’s press conference ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

"You don't need to say anything to anyone. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. The fast bowlers they always want to be aggressive, because that's what keeps them going. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as they keep it on the ground," Salman Agha added on the matter.

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said that bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan should not resume until relations improve between the two neighbouring nations. Meanwhile, tickets are yet to be sold out for the clash.

India started their campaign in the Asia Cup with a comfortable nine-wicket win against the UAE. On the other hand, Pakistan registered a 93-run victory against Oman in their opening fixture in the continental competition.