Kotak warns hype around 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could hinder his development

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak warned on October 23, 2026 at a pre-match press conference ahead of India's ongoing T20I series against New Zealand that excessive hype around 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be harmful to the youngster's growth. Kotak urged patience as Sooryavanshi has not yet featured in the series and remains on the fringe of selection.

Sooryavanshi, who has attracted strong social media interest, has not been picked for the playing XI while the team management has continued to back Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. His absence from the XI has prompted debate among fans, and with Ishan Kishan ruled out of the second T20I due to an adductor strain, Sooryavanshi could come into contention for a place. Kotak said selection cannot be driven by popularity and defended the management’s handling of the teenager.

“He is young, but the way the entire team management handles him is amazing. I observe this neutrally. The public and social media love him because of his talent, and the team loves him too. But you cannot make changes to the playing XI just because people like a player. He is highly talented and has a very bright future ahead. Once he gets consistent opportunities and settles down, he will learn a lot,” Kotak said.

Kotak said the level of public demand for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion had been excessive and potentially damaging. “In the beginning, I felt there was a lot of hype suggesting 'he must play, he must play.' I genuinely felt that much hype is not good for a young player. For a 15 or 16-year-old boy, hearing everyone say he must play and then not getting a spot can be tough on his mind. He is still very young. While I cannot control the hype, it is sad,” he said.

The coach cautioned that the conversation around Sooryavanshi had created an unfair environment for India's other openers who were performing well. “It is also unfair to other openers who are performing well when an environment is created questioning why they are playing instead. People who understand cricket should think about whether this hype actually helps the player or if it is just created for the sake of it,” he added.

Kotak outlined Sooryavanshi’s attitude in camp and praised his professionalism despite not being selected. “Now, he is much more mature. He understands the dynamics. We all play cricket and see how players like Sanju and Abhishek are batting, meaning only 11 players can play. He wants to play, and if I were in his place, I would want to play too. There is nothing wrong with that,” Kotak said. “He is a very simple boy, he has never complained, and his attitude remains excellent even when he is not playing. He is working hard on his fielding, fitness, and batting, and he is constantly learning from the seniors,” he added.

On suggestions that Sooryavanshi was struggling to adapt to conditions in New Zealand, Kotak said the discussions had focused on shot selection rather than changing the player's natural approach. “Vaibhav has his own way of practicing. I would not say he was struggling. He likes certain things and wants to attack in a specific way. Obviously, the practice pitch, the bounce, and the match environment differ from place to place. My conversation with him was focused on the shots he can play when the ball moves from certain areas,” he said. “His intent and the way he approaches the game are excellent. I would not want to change that unless the situation absolutely demands it. He has immense ability and does not struggle; he simply discusses and decides which shots to play. Some players play shots on merit, while others try to create shots regardless of where the ball is pitched. Vaibhav is the type of player who likes to dominate and play shots on his own terms. If we observe that he can do things differently in certain moments, we discuss it. Otherwise, he is an unbelievable talent,” the coach added.

With Ishan Kishan ruled out of the second T20I because of an adductor strain, Sooryavanshi has been identified as a potential candidate for selection while the management continues to back Samson and Abhishek in the top order. Kotak said the teenager understands why he has had to wait and is preparing for opportunities when they arise.