Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s exclusion from India’s playing XI has sparked criticism from his childhood coach, Manish Ojha, who has accused the Gautam Gambhir-led team management of “dictatorship”. Ojha believes the teenage batter needs regular match opportunities to develop his skills and fulfil his potential at the international level.
Sooryavanshi has missed India’s first three T20Is against the West Indies, despite earning his international call-up following impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and junior cricket. The youngster, who also represented India at the 2026 Asian Games, is yet to feature in the ongoing series.
Speaking to Times Now, Ojha argued that young players improve through match experience rather than spending extended periods on the sidelines.
“This current Indian team management, they feel that they make players by keeping them on the bench,” Ojha said, adding that the next generation of cricketers must be given opportunities to play and learn.
Manish Ojha Questions India’s Selection Strategy
Ojha expressed concern that Sooryavanshi’s continued exclusion could affect his confidence. According to the coach, repeatedly being left out may make a young player question his importance to the team instead of helping him mature through competitive cricket.
He also criticised the management’s approach to the teenager’s development, describing its decisions as a form of “dictatorship”.
Ojha maintained that Sooryavanshi should be refining his game through regular appearances rather than remaining outside the playing XI. His comments have brought renewed attention to the debate over how India should manage promising young talent in international cricket.
‘Vaibhav Is Like a Storm’
Despite his frustration with the selection decisions, Ojha expressed strong confidence in Sooryavanshi’s future. He described the youngster as a “storm” and predicted that his performances would establish him as a long-term force in cricket.
According to the figures cited in the report, Sooryavanshi made his T20I debut in July 2026 and has scored 246 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 186.
Ojha also highlighted that the batter has missed out on selection in 11 of the 19 matches India have played since his maiden call-up. The coach’s criticism has raised questions about whether the teenager is receiving enough opportunities to translate his potential into consistent international performances.
For now, Sooryavanshi’s place in India’s playing XI remains a selection decision for the team management, while his coach continues to advocate for greater opportunities for the young batter.
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