What Team India A spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said about scuffle incident involving Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
The controversy surrounding a scuffle involving India A player Vaibhav Suryavanshi has reached Team India. Team spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule stated on Tuesday that Suryavanshi is a calm-natured boy, though it is unclear how he was provoked. Bahutule made these remarks during a press conference on Tuesday, saying:
"Vaibhav is only 15 years old and is still learning. We will ensure he is fully informed about why this incident occurred. He is a young boy bearing significant responsibilities. I hope he understands this and does not repeat such a mistake in the future. Incidents like this can be avoided."
India A suffered a defeat against Sri Lanka A in a thrilling match of the Tri-Nation 'A' Series held in Dambulla on Monday. Following the match, an altercation broke out between India's 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sri Lankan player Vishan Halambage.
Commenting on the incident, Bahutule said, "Sri Lankan players also need to be taught how to conduct themselves on the field; the same applies to our players. It was an unfortunate incident, and the matter will be resolved internally."
Bahutule, who has worked with Vaibhav in India's Under-19 teams and at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, stated that representing the country at such a young age carries great responsibility and that the young batsman would learn from this experience.
He said, "He is still very young and is representing India. I am confident that he will learn a lesson from this incident and that such a situation will not arise again in the future."
How the controversy unfolded
The entire controversy came to light following a thrilling match between Sri Lanka A and India A on Monday. The game went to a Super Over, where Sri Lanka A defeated India A.
After the victory, Sri Lanka A players were celebrating enthusiastically, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge were walking back to the pavilion. It was during this time that tensions flared on the field.
Television footage showed Vaibhav looking visibly angry and pushing Sri Lankan spinner Vishen Halambage. Seeing the situation escalate, experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella intervened and separated the two sides.
According to reports, the altercation was triggered by comments made by the bowler and some fielders after they had stopped the Indian batsman during the Super Over. However, it has not been officially clarified exactly what was said on the field.