'SL players should also be educated': India coach breaks silence on Sooryavanshi controversy

Vaibhav Sooryavansh confrontation with Sri Lanka A player

India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutale has addressed the controversy involving teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following the heated scenes that unfolded after India's dramatic defeat to Sri Lanka A in the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla. The 15-year-old found himself in the spotlight after a confrontation with Sri Lanka A players at the end of a tense encounter at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Monday. India A suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Super Over, leaving their hopes of reaching the final hanging in the balance, but the post-match altercation quickly became the major talking point.

Fresh details later revealed that Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage allegedly initiated the exchange after the hosts secured victory. “Match over…now you go home,” Halambage reportedly told Sooryavanshi. The remark triggered a reaction from the young Indian batter, who responded verbally before pushing the Sri Lankan player. The situation escalated as both players came face-to-face before teammates stepped in to separate them. Speaking about the incident during a press conference, Bahutale described the episode as unfortunate but urged caution before passing judgment.

"It was an unfortunate incident, but we don't know how it was provoked. The way I know Vaibhav , he is a very composed boy." The former India spinner said the matter would be addressed internally and stressed the importance of educating young cricketers about conduct on the field. "It was unfortunate, but I'm sure there are experienced coaches there who will explain things to him. I think the Sri Lankan players should also be educated in terms of how we need to behave, and the same goes for us." Bahutale emphasised that Sooryavanshi is still learning and carries significant responsibility as a young international representative. "We will make sure that information is given to him as to why that happened. He is a young kid with a lot of responsibilities and is representing India. I think there will be some understanding, and I'm sure he won't repeat it." The India coach also expressed hope that such incidents can be prevented in the future. "I think such incidents can be avoided." Despite the confrontation, players from both teams completed the customary post-match handshakes.