‘Sri Lankan players should also be educated’: Indian coach breaks silence on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi controversy

Vaibhav Sooryavansh’s confrontation with Sri Lanka’s A player India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutale has addressed the controversy surrounding teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following the heated scenes that followed India’s dramatic defeat by Sri Lanka A in the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla.The 15-year-old found himself in the limelight after confronting the Sri Lanka A players at the end of a thrilling 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 a major talking point. Fresh details later revealed that Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage allegedly initiated the exchange after the hosts had secured victory.“Match over… now go home,” Halambage allegedly told Sooryavanshi. The remark drew a reaction from the young Indian batsman, who responded verbally before pushing the Sri Lankan player. The situation escalated when the two players came face-to-face before teammates moved in to separate them.Speaking about the incident during a press conference, Bahutale described the episode as unfortunate but called for caution before passing judgement.“It was an unfortunate incident but we don’t know how it was provoked. As I know Vaibhav, he is a very level-headed boy.”The former India spinner said the matter would be dealt with internally and stressed the importance of educating young cricketers about on-field behaviour.“It was unfortunate but I’m sure there are experienced coaches there to explain things to him. I think the Sri Lankan players should also be educated on how we have to behave and the same applies to us.”Bahutale emphasized that Sooryavanshi is still learning and has significant responsibilities as a young international representative.“We will make sure he is given information about why it happened. He is a young lad with a lot of responsibility and he is representing India. I think there will be some understanding and I am sure he will not do it again.”The India coach also expressed hope that such incidents can be avoided in future.“I think such incidents can be avoided.Despite the confrontation, the players of both teams completed the usual post-match handshakes.