'You Can't Make Changes Because People Like Him': Kotak Slams Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Hype
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addresses the noise surrounding 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and why popularity doesn't dictate the playing XI.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has spoken out against the intense public and social media pressure to include 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI. Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Christchurch ahead of the second T20I against New Zealand, Kotak emphasized that while the youngster possesses exceptional talent, selection decisions must be based on merit rather than popularity.
The Danger of Early Hype
Kotak expressed concern that the overwhelming narrative surrounding the teenage left-hander has been counterproductive. He noted that the constant demand for Sooryavanshi to play puts undue pressure on a child who is only 15 or 16 years old.
"I felt that at the start, there was a lot of hype that 'he has to play'. I genuinely felt that wasn't good for the player also," Kotak stated. "It's something I can't control, but it's sad. And it's sad for the other openers also, who are performing but people are saying 'why is he playing'."
The batting coach highlighted that the noise not only affects the youngster but also undermines the efforts of established players who are currently delivering results for the team.
A Path to Maturity
Despite the external noise, Kotak praised Sooryavanshi for handling the situation with maturity. The youngster, who burst onto the scene after a stellar Player-of-the-Tournament run in IPL 2026, has featured in only seven of India's last 19 matches. This is largely due to the strong form of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan.
Kotak believes that waiting for his turn will ultimately benefit the player's growth. He described Sooryavanshi as a "simple boy" who has not complained or appeared downcast, acknowledging that the current top order and middle order are packed with talent.
Preserving a Natural Aggressor
While the coaching staff is guiding the teenager, Kotak is careful not to stifle the very instincts that make him special. He revealed that his discussions with the batter focus on reading deliveries and shot selection during swing, rather than changing his overall intent.
According to the coach, Sooryavanshi belongs to a rare category of batters who dominate the bowler by deciding what shot to play regardless of the delivery, rather than simply reacting to the merit of the ball. Kotak described him as an "unbelievable talent" with a very bright future.
Potential Opportunity in Second T20I
The timing of this discussion comes as Sooryavanshi may finally get his chance on Saturday. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener.
Meanwhile, the Indian camp is also buzzing about the emergence of Naman Dhir, who played a pivotal role in the first T20I. Dhir's explosive unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls helped India chase down a massive target of 226 to secure a four-wicket victory over New Zealand.