New Delhi: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's continued absence from India's playing XI has left his childhood coach Manish Ojha fuming. Taking aim at the Gautam Gambhir-led team management, Ojha accused the Indian setup of behaving like a dictatorship, arguing that a prodigious talent like Sooryavanshi needs opportunities to play rather than being made to wait on the sidelines.
Sooryavanshi has been benched in each of India's first three T20Is against the West Indies, with the team management yet to hand the teenage batter an opportunity in the series. The youngster had previously represented India at the Asian Games 2026, but has struggled to find a regular place in the playing XI against Shai Hope's side.
Speaking to media outlets, an irate Ojha said the team management appeared to believe that players could be developed by keeping them on the bench. He insisted that young cricketers needed regular match experience to mature, improve their game, and prepare for the demands of international cricket.
The coach was particularly concerned about the effect Sooryavanshi's prolonged wait could have on the youngster's confidence. He argued that being left out repeatedly could make a player question his value to the team, rather than helping him develop through experience at the highest level.
Ojha also expressed unwavering confidence in Sooryavanshi's ability to succeed, insisting that the teenager's talent would shine through regardless of current selection decisions. He noted that the young player possesses immense potential and will deliver strong performances over the long term.
Sooryavanshi earned his India call-up after impressive performances in the Indian Premier League and junior cricket. He made his T20I debut in July 2026 and has accumulated notable runs at a high strike rate across his appearances.
Ojha's frustration extends beyond the ongoing West Indies series. Records indicate that Sooryavanshi has been left out of the playing XI in a majority of the matches India have played since his maiden call-up, prompting his coach to question whether the team management is giving the youngster enough opportunities to fulfill his potential.