This is a dictatorship: Sooryavanshi’s childhood coach criticizes Indian team management

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s continued absence from India’s playing XI has left his childhood coach Manish Ojha fuming. Taking aim at the management of the Gautam Gambhir-led team, Ojha accused the Indian set-up of behaving like a “dictatorship” and argued 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 give the teenager an opportunity in the series. The youngster represented India at the 2026 Asian Games but struggled to find a place in the playing eleven against Shai Hope’s team.

An angry Ojha told Times Now that the team management believed that the players could develop by keeping them on the bench. He insisted that young cricketers need regular match experience to mature, improve their game and prepare for the demands of international cricket.

“This current management of the Indian team feels that they are making players by keeping them on the bench. So they are doing the job. There are many other legends of cricket; you talk to them and everyone will say that when we have to prepare the next generation of players, they are put in that situation; they are made to play. Sitting on the bench, no player has ever been made and never will be,” Ojha said. A dejected Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leaves after being released. (AP photo)

‘MANAGEMENT MAKES A DICTATORSHIP’

The coach was particularly worried about the effect Sooryavanshi’s long wait might have on the youngster’s confidence. He argued that when a player is repeatedly left out, it can call into question his value to the team, rather than helping him develop through experience at the highest level.

“Then they either decide the kid won’t be given a chance … keep him out and frustrate him so much. What can I say now? When you’re sitting there, you feel like I’m not useful in the team; the kid is frustrated,” he said.

At this age, this kid should mature by playing match by match and his game should be refined and improved. He sits outside and serves water. I feel like the leadership that’s here right now is doing a kind of dictatorship where they can do whatever they want.”

‘VAIBHAV IS LIKE A STORM’

Ojha also expressed unwavering confidence in Sooryavanshi’s ability to succeed, insisting that the teenager’s talent will shine regardless of current selection decisions.

“In my opinion, Vaibhav is like a storm. Whoever tries to take him on will eventually burst, if not today, tomorrow. And this storm will stay for a long time. We are not talking about six months, one year or one or two seasons of IPL,” he said.

“For years to come you will see his performances shine like a star, like the sun. Let everyone do what they want; he will score points everywhere and do it with authority. Such talent and potential this young lad has.”

Sooryavanshi earned a call-up to India after impressive performances in the Indian Premier League and junior cricket. He made his T20I debut in July 2026 and scored 246 runs at a strike rate of 186 in eight matches.

Ojha’s frustration goes beyond the ongoing West Indies series. According to the figures provided, Sooryavanshi has been left out of the playing eleven in 11 of the 19 matches India have played since his first call-up, prompting his coach to question whether the team management is giving the youngster enough opportunities to fulfill his potential.

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