The fifth and final T20I match between Team India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on January 31 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
During the series, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/photo/t20-world-cup-2026-will-team-india-prefer-ishan-kishan-over-sanju-samson-for-global-showpiece-109438/1" rel="nofollow">Ishan Kishan</a> has been enjoying his rich vein of form brightly for the "Men in Blue". He missed out on the fourth T20I clash due to injury.
Ahead of the fifth match, Team India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that the left-handed batsman is likely to make his appearance.
Speaking about him, Kotak heaped praise on Kishan by saying that he has always been good whenever he got opportunities.
"Ishan Kishan has always been good whenever he got an opportunity. Sometimes wicketkeeper batters don't get opportunities. But whenever Ishan has played, he has always done well. The way he played two innings was really encouraging because in power play, you are looking for someone to play the way he played," he said.
"And very likely (he will play), at the moment, as far as I know. The physio is here for practice. So, physios will take a call. But I feel very likely," he added.
The batting coach then said that the likes of players such as Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-nz-5th-t20i-matt-henry-aims-to-put-abhishek-sharma-under-pressure-ahead-of-final-clash-23614440" rel="nofollow">Abhishek Sharma</a> help the team play an aggressive brand of cricket.
"Some of the players are aggressive and what we plan, we go sorting through that and depending on wickets in hand and the situation, and whether we are chasing or posting, it will help us. But fortunately we have players, who can play very aggressively and there have been such good players in India as well, so that's a great thing," he said.
He also labelled Abhishek as very clever player, as the left-handed batsman is aware of his batting plans.
"Obviously, it is his plans, what he wants to do. But we definitely discuss what pace to bowl and what areas to bowl (at nets), and what would be the better shot if it doesn't go fine. But he is a very clever player, definitely he does think," said Kotak.
With the series already in the bag, the "Men in Blue" will look to conclude the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-nz-5th-t20i-despite-poor-performances-sitanshu-kotak-backs-sanju-samson-23614452" rel="nofollow">T20I</a> series on a high note. On the other hand, the "Black Caps" will look to play for pride.
(With PTI Inputs)

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