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'Very composed boy': India coach defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his physical altercation with Sri Lanka A players originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has defended Sooryavanshi, saying the 15-year-old was likely provoked during the Super Over altercation.
- Bahutule described Sooryavanshi as "a very composed boy" and said he would not repeat the incident as he matures.
- Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia ruled out any formal action against Sooryavanshi over the incident.
India coach defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his recent spat
India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has come to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's defence following the teenager's heated exchange with Sri Lanka A players at the end of Monday's controversial Super Over defeat in Dambulla, backing the 15-year-old while also calling on both sides to reflect on their conduct.
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan, Bahutule did not attempt to excuse the altercation but placed it firmly in the context of what he believes was significant provocation.
Sources had already indicated that Sri Lanka A players had been taunting the India A squad about their IPL performances throughout the tournament.
MORE: BCCI secretary rules out action against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
What did Sairaj Bahutale say about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Speaking at the pre-match conference on the eve of India's second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, Bahutule told reporters, "I think it was an unfortunate incident. But we don't know how he was provoked. Because as far as I know Vaibhav, he is a very composed boy. I'm sure there are experienced coaches there who will make him understand."
The Indian coach understood that tempers sometimes run high but Sooryavanshi still showed the control of someone much older.
Bahutale also believes that it was the Sri Lankan side that tried to irk the 15-year-old. "And I think the Sri Lankan players should also be educated in terms of how they need to behave," he said.
He further continued, "And so does it go with us. We will make sure that information is given to him as to why that happened. But he will learn. He's a young kid and going forward, some sort of understanding will be there with him. I'm sure he will not repeat it."
MORE: Sooryavanshi shows class with respectful gesture as SL's first ODI captain offers valuable advice
Coaches stepping in on both Sides
Bahutule's remarks were notable for being balanced, placing responsibility on Sri Lanka A's coaching staff as much as India A's.
He acknowledged the India A management would address the incident with Sooryavanshi while maintaining that the provocation element could not be ignored in any fair assessment.
The altercation occurred after the Super Over, when Sooryavanshi engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Vishen Halambage and several Sri Lanka A players following the seven-run defeat. Poor visibility during the Super Over chase had already heightened tensions considerably on the ground.
The incident carries added weight given Sooryavanshi's recent elevation to India's senior T20I squad for the upcoming Ireland and England series.
Any disciplinary concern, however minor, arriving at this precise moment in his career draws unavoidable scrutiny and makes Bahutule's public defence a timely intervention from the coaching staff.
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