India's teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to wait for an opportunity in the playing XI, with the team management preferring the opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
However, an injury to wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan could open up a spot for the 15-year-old, who has been waiting for his chance during India's ongoing tour of New Zealand.
The growing calls for Sooryavanshi's inclusion have sparked debate among fans on social media. However, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has urged supporters to be patient, saying that the pressure surrounding the youngster and the repeated demands for him to play are not necessarily good for his development.
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Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference, Kotak praised the way the team management has handled Sooryavanshi despite the attention and scrutiny surrounding his selection. He also stressed that the teenager needs time to develop as he takes his first steps in international cricket.
"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 acknowledged that Sooryavanshi wants to play, but pointed out that neither Samson nor Abhishek can be dropped at the moment, given their current form.
The team management, therefore, faces a selection dilemma as it weighs the prospect of giving the youngster an opportunity against the consistency of its established opening pair.
"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. 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," said the batting coach.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Not Struggling In New Zealand: Sitanshu Kotak
Kotak also dismissed suggestions that Sooryavanshi has struggled to adapt to conditions in New Zealand. When asked about the youngster's training, the batting coach praised the maturity with which he approaches practice sessions.
"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. 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," Kotak asserted.
There had been speculation that the 15-year-old was finding it difficult to adjust to the conditions, but Kotak rubbished those claims and backed the youngster's approach in training.
"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.
The coach's comments come amid growing expectations around Sooryavanshi, whose performances have made him one of the most talked-about young talents in Indian cricket. While fans continue to call for his inclusion in the playing XI, the team management appears keen to ensure that the pressure surrounding the teenager does not get in the way of his development.
With Kishan's injury potentially opening up a place in the side, Sooryavanshi's chances of making his way into the playing XI will remain a key talking point ahead of India's next match.
However, Kotak's message is clear that the youngster's progress should be allowed to take its course, without unnecessary pressure from outside the team.
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