Kotak on Sooryavanshi hype: talent is clear, but the XI can't be picked on popularity

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has tried to calm the debate over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi before the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Saturday. His message was that the 15-year-old is a big talent, but a playing XI can't be chosen because the public wants a particular player in it.

Kotak accepted that Sooryavanshi is very young and that the whole camp looks after him. He said the teenager is popular with team-mates and on social media. He also felt the early clamour for him to play had not helped the boy or the group around him. He described a bright future ahead for the left-hander and said Sooryavanshi will learn a lot once he gets regular chances and settles in.

The coach also spoke about how he deals with Sooryavanshi's batting. He said he has talked to the youngster about shot selection when the ball is seaming or swinging. He does not plan to change the batter's natural intent without a major reason. In Kotak's view, some batters pick their shot according to the delivery, while others decide on a plan and force the shot whatever the ball does. He placed Sooryavanshi in the second group, saying he dominates bowlers. Kotak added that if he sees a way to improve his response to certain deliveries, they will discuss it.

**Why the chance has come now**

The talk has become urgent because of Ishan Kishan's fitness. Kishan picked up a right adductor strain, a groin problem, during the series opener. That is why Tilak Varma was promoted to No. 3 in the chase. Kotak said Kishan was unlikely to play the second game. He added that, unless the medical team clears him, Sooryavanshi would come into the reckoning as one of the strongest options.

India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series by winning the opener by four wickets. They chased down 226 after New Zealand posted 225/4, with Glenn Phillips unbeaten on 82 off 40 balls. Sanju Samson made 67 in the chase. Sooryavanshi did not play and was seen only as a substitute fielder, saving a boundary in the final over of the New Zealand innings.

**The selection logic**

Captain Shreyas Iyer had already explained the thinking before the series. He said it was important for Sooryavanshi to stay happy in the dressing room and that he has plenty of years to get opportunities. Iyer also said he can't simply walk into the side while Abhishek Sharma and Samson keep scoring consistently at the top. The captain pointed out that the openers were part of the team that won the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Sooryavanshi has been in and out of the side since becoming India's youngest international when he debuted against England in July at 15 years and 99 days. He was Player of the Series against Zimbabwe, but was then left out against Afghanistan. After a half-century against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games semi-final, he was dropped again once Nitish Kumar Reddy returned for the West Indies series. He has now sat out six straight T20Is. In eight T20Is he has scored 196 runs at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of about 186.

**What it means for India**

If Sooryavanshi plays, the likely arrangement is that he opens with Abhishek Sharma and Samson drops to No. 3, though India have not confirmed that. New Zealand's attack of Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and others will test a teenager who has not yet played an international match in India. The pitch and pace will be different from the conditions he has faced in England, Zimbabwe and Japan.

The larger question for the team is how to manage a rare young talent without breaking a balanced top order. With a lead in the series, India can try the combination without much risk. A good knock would make it harder for the team to keep him out. A tough day would still give him useful experience, which is what Kotak and Iyer have both said they want him to gain.