Vaibhav Suryavanshi Faces Backlash After U19 Asia Cup Final Loss
India's U19 Asia Cup Final Disappointment
In a disappointing turn of events, Indian U19 cricket star Vaibhav Suryavanshi found himself under scrutiny from Pakistani fans after India's defeat to Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final held at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on November 21. The Indian team fell short of their goal to secure the title, losing by a staggering 192 runs.
Set with a daunting target of 348 runs, the Indian batting lineup struggled under pressure, collapsing to just 156 runs in 26.2 overs. Suryavanshi, who had shown promise throughout the tournament, managed only 26 runs off 10 balls, which included three boundaries and a six, achieving a strike rate of 260.
His early dismissal marked a turning point, leading to a rapid decline in the team's performance as they found themselves at 68 for 5 during the powerplay, ultimately resulting in their defeat and dashed hopes of reclaiming the U19 Asia Cup title. Additionally, Suryavanshi was involved in a heated exchange with Pakistani bowler Ali Raza, who took his wicket.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Targeted by Fans
As one of India's standout players heading into the final, Suryavanshi's early exit and the team's significant loss made him a target for negative reactions from some fans outside the ICC Academy Ground. The 14-year-old's confrontation with Raza intensified the situation.
A video that circulated on social media captured Suryavanshi leaving the venue alongside a member of the U19 support staff after the match. As he passed by, he was met with boos and jeers from Pakistani supporters who were eager to celebrate their team's victory.
Despite the hostile environment, Suryavanshi appeared unfazed, walking past the crowd without engaging with the hecklers.
Criticism of Fan Behavior
Critics expressed disapproval of the behavior exhibited by some Pakistani fans, highlighting the inappropriate treatment of a young player. Comments on social media condemned the actions of those booing Suryavanshi, emphasizing that their reactions were disproportionate to the situation.
One user remarked on social media, criticizing the fans for their lack of decorum, stating, 'These fans are booing 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi just because Pakistan won a 'cheap' U19 Asia Cup. They’re acting as if Pakistan won the World Cup.'
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's U19 Asia Cup Performance
Throughout the U19 Asia Cup 2025, Suryavanshi was a focal point due to his impressive rise in cricket, particularly following his successful IPL 2025 season. Despite the final setback, he remains one of the most discussed young talents in Indian cricket.
Before arriving in Dubai, Suryavanshi had a commendable performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, scoring 197 runs, including a century, with an average of 39.40 and a strike rate of 168.37 over seven matches. He made history as the youngest player to score a century in the tournament.
In India's opening match against the UAE, he delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 171 runs off 95 balls, achieving a century in just 56 balls, and leading the team to a record total of 433/4, winning by 234 runs. However, his subsequent performances were inconsistent, with scores of 5, 50, 6, and 26, only surpassing fifty runs once against Malaysia.
In the U19 Asia Cup, Suryavanshi concluded as India's second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 261 runs, including a century and a fifty, with an average of 52.20 and a strike rate of 182.52 across five matches.
Looking ahead, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is set to return to action for Bihar in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting on December 24.