Ahead of the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasized that the excessive social media hype and constant public demands for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be included in the playing XI are "not good" for the young player or the team.

Kotak noted that hearing a constant public narrative that he "must play"—only to sit on the bench—can be tough on Sooryavanshi’s mindset. He urged that a young talent needs space to develop without the weight of intense public expectations.

The coach explicitly stated that selection decisions are made neutrally in the best interest of the team and not based on social media popularity.

"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 told reporters on Friday (October 23).

"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 added.

Kotal also pointed out that the constant clamour is unfair to the current openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who have been performing exceptionally well. For instance, Samson's blistering 67 off 33 balls anchored India's successful 226-run chase in the first T20I against New Zealand.

"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 stated.

Kotak acknowledged that Sooryavanshi wants to play, but understands why he has had to wait for his chance.

"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 remarked.

Kotak also downplayed suggestions that Sooryavanshi was struggling to adapt to New Zealand conditions, saying the wonder kid had his own way of preparing and that their conversations revolve around shot selection rather than changing his 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.

Despite the management's cautious approach, an unexpected window has opened up for the teenager. With regular top-order batter Ishan Kishan ruled out of the second T20I due to a low-grade right adductor groin strain, Sooryavanshi has emerged as a primary contender to step into the side for Saturday’s clash.