‘He is a very composed boy’ – Sairaj Bahutule comes to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s aid amid criticism for altercation in Sri Lanka

The tri-series featuring India A, Afghanistan A, and hosts Sri Lanka A is garnering a lot of attention, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the cynosure. The 15-year-old shoved Vishen Halambage after India A lost the fourth match of the event, which was against Sri Lanka A on Monday, June 15, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

The incident happened after Suryansh Shedge and Sooryavanshi were returning to the pavilion after India A lost in the Super Over. The latter turned towards the celebrating Sri Lankan players and pushed Halambage.

While many have decided to sit on the fence, a section of fans has criticised Sooryavanshi for his aggressive behaviour. However, the newly appointed spin-bowling coach of the Indian senior team, Sairaj Bahutule, backed the Indian youngster and hoped that the coaches with the India A team would help him deal with such situations where emotions get the better of the players.

“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. 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,” Bahutule was quoted as saying by News18 CricketNext.

Sooryavanshi could become the youngest debutant for India during the T20Is against Ireland and England. While he is only 15 years old, Bahutule believes that he has a lot of responsibilities and urged him not to repeat such mistakes in his career.

“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… I think such incidents can be avoided,” the former India leg-spinner added.