NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly punished some players involved in the heated scenes that followed the India A vs Sri Lanka A tri-series match in Dambulla. The game ended dramatically with Sri Lanka A winning in the Super Over after both teams scored 265, but the post-match altercation between India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lanka A’s Vishen Halambage grabbed attention.According to a report from Cricbuzz, match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash sanctioned Halambage, while wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella was also fined for a separate offence, believed to be excessive appealing. It remains unclear whether Sooryavanshi, who was seen shoving Halambage before being separated, has faced any punishment. Reports claimed there was no official hearing and that the sanctions were based on the umpires’ reports.
Bahutule backs Sooryavanshi
India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule defended the 15-year-old batter, saying he was surprised by the incident because of the youngster’s calm nature.“It was an unfortunate incident, but we don’t know how he was provoked because I know him and Vaibhav is a very composed kid but I’m sure there are experienced coaches there who will guide him,” Bahutule said ahead of India’s match against Afghanistan.“Sri Lankan players should also be educated on how to behave,” Bahutule added.
‘He will learn’
Bahutule, who has worked closely with Sooryavanshi at youth level and with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, believes the teenager will take lessons from the episode.“He will learn, he is a young kid with a lot of responsibility of representing India. I’m sure he will not repeat it and such incidents can be avoided,” the former Mumbai captain said.The confrontation happened after India’s Super Over defeat, with television footage showing an upset Sooryavanshi pushing Halambage before Dickwella stepped in to calm things down.
