Coach Addresses Sooryavanshi's Altercation with Sri Lanka A Players

In a recent press conference, India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule addressed the unfortunate altercation involving 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lanka A players during a tri-nation series. He emphasized the need for better sportsmanship and expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi's character. The young talent has had a stellar IPL season, emerging as the Orange Cap winner. As India prepares for their next match against Afghanistan A, the focus remains on maintaining their chances for the finals.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 22:24 IST

Coach Comments on Sooryavanshi's Incident

As India prepares for the second ODI against Afghanistan, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has spoken out regarding the recent altercation involving 15-year-old talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and players from Sri Lanka A. This incident occurred during the ongoing tri-nation series in Sri Lanka, specifically during a match on Monday where Sooryavanshi clashed with Sri Lankan players, particularly Vishem Halambage, after a Super Over victory for Sri Lanka. The exact reasons behind the confrontation remain unclear.

Bahutule described the situation as 'unfortunate' during a press conference, emphasizing that the Sri Lankan players should have exhibited better sportsmanship. He expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi's character, stating, 'From what I know, Vaibhav is a very composed young man.'

'It was an unfortunate incident, but we are unsure of what provoked it. I believe experienced coaches will guide him through this,' he added. Bahutule also mentioned the need for both teams to understand proper conduct on the field, ensuring that Sooryavanshi receives the necessary guidance to prevent future occurrences.

'He is a young player with significant responsibilities. I trust he will learn from this experience and avoid similar situations in the future,' he concluded.

Sooryavanshi's Performance This Season

In his recent outings in Sri Lanka, Sooryavanshi had a mixed performance, scoring 14, followed by a brisk 44, and then 21 runs. He entered this series after a remarkable IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals, where he claimed the Orange Cap, was named the season's MVP, and led in sixes. Over 16 innings, he amassed 776 runs with an impressive average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.50, which included one century, five half-centuries, and a total of 72 sixes.

Upcoming Matches in the Tri-Series

India's next match in the tri-series is scheduled against Afghanistan A on Wednesday, which is crucial for maintaining their chances of reaching the finals.