India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has opened up on Arshdeep Singh’s snub against UAE and said the final XI is always picked according to the pitch. Singh’s omission was a bit surprising as India decided to play with a solitary frontline pacer in Jasprit Bumrah.

Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube played as seam-bowling all-rounders, with the latter picking up three wickets. Furthermore, Kuleep Yadav was the star of the show, returning with impressive figures of 4-7 in 2.1 overs. Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy bagged one wicket apiece.

Sitanshu Kotak said while talking to the media, “The team will be picked according to the wicket, and the best XI suitable for that wicket. Our first discussion with the head coach and captain is obviously about this. Out of the 15, everyone deserves to play, but we can only field 11. So, after looking at the wicket and the opposition, the best XI at that time will play.”

“At times, when a player is not playing, it will obviously be difficult for him because he will feel he is missing out. But at the end of the day, it’s a team and a team sport. Everyone knows there is no agenda, no personal liking or disliking. Whatever is best for the team, the captain and head coach will decide and do that. I don’t think there is any doubt in anybody’s mind about it. So, whoever is not playing is always trying to help the guys who are playing, and I think that’s how a team should function,” he added.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh is India’s most successful T20I bowler with 99 scalps under his belt in 63 matches. Singh is expected to be part of India’s playing XI for the clash against Pakistan, but the final call will depend on the Dubai track.