India’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi got embroiled into a controversy as he pushed Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage upon provocation after super over finish in Dambulla. Sooryavanshi has faced criticism for the physical altercation ahead of his international cricket debut. But, he has got the backing from India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule who termed it as an unfortunate incident. He wants the Sri Lankan players and Sooryavanshi to be educated on how to behave on the field.
"I think it was an unfortunate incident. But we don't know how he was provoked," Bahutule said in Lucknow ahead of the second ODI of the series between India and Afghanistan.
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"Because as far as I know Vaibhav, he is a very composed boy. I'm sure there are experienced coaches there who will make him understand. And I think the Sri Lankan players should also be educated in terms of how they need to behave.”
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Bahutule assured that Sooryavanshi will be counselled as well. He is sure that the youngster will not repeat the mistake of pushing someone on the field.
The incident took place after a dramatic super over finish. The match officials are under the scanner as well for allowing the match to proceed despite bad light.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has cracked whip on players involved in the scuffle. Former Sri Lanka pacer Pradeep Jeyapragash, who was the match referee, has reportedly punished Halambage for provoking Suryansh Shedge and Sooryavanshi. The extent of the sanction is yet to be made public. Also, wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella who had played peacemaker during the ugly spat, has faced a sanction in an unrelated breach.
Sooryavanshi’s next target
Sooryavanshi is yet to register a big score in his debut India A series. He registered scores of 14 and 21 against Sri Lanka A. In the Afghanistan A clash, he departed for a 22-ball 44. In order to face Sri Lanka A again, Sooryavanshi would look to perform well against Afghanistan A in a must-win game. If India A beat Afghanistan A on June 17, they are highly likely to qualify for the tri-series final on June 21.
After India A series, Sooryavanshi will fly to Ireland for his debut. The two-T20I series will be played on June 26 and June 28. After that India will play a five-T20I series from July 1 to July 11.