There has been a considerable amount of discussion surrounding the lack of game time for India’s young blaster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who, despite featuring in India’s squad, has been patiently waiting for his turn, with the Indian management backing the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. Soon after taking the IPL 2026 by storm, the cricketing phenomenon Vaibhav made his T20I debut earlier this year in July; however, he has not got a consistent run in the Indian team, leading to a mountain of questions. But according to Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, the hype, which is being created, could also backfire. 

“He is young. But to be very honest, not just me, the way the entire team management handles him… I look at him from a neutral perspective, but it is amazing because everyone likes him. The public likes him, social media likes him, he has that talent, the team also likes him. But just because of that, you can't make changes in the playing 11,” Kotak said at the press conference.

“He is very talented, and I actually feel that he has a bright, bright future ahead. So, once he plays, he gets his opportunities and settles down; he will learn a lot of things. Once he starts playing. But early on, I felt there was a lot of hype about he should play. I genuinely felt, which is not good for a player as well, for a young 15-16-year-old boy, that everyone is saying that he should play, and he is not getting a place. Then he is thinking…,” he said.

Kotak highlighted that Vaibhav is now mature enough to understand why he is not playing.

“He is too young. That is something I can’t control, but it is said. Then the entire atmosphere is created that 'Why is he playing?’ and 'Why is he not playing?’ So I suppose people who are related to cricket should think about it – whether they are actually helping or just creating something they are doing. That's what I felt that time. Now he is much more mature. He understood that. if Sanju Bhai is batting the way then how will he stay out? If Abhishek Bhai is batting well, only 11 can play. Even in middle order. So every person understands. But he still wants to play,” Kotak stated.

Kotak also lauded Sanju Samson, who played a major role in India’s victory in the first T20I against new Zealand.

"Sanju is outstanding; he is a power-packed player. The way he approached the game yesterday. There are so many runs. If you ever put yourself in the place of a batsman and think that you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also be afraid of getting out," Kotak said.