Vaibhav Sooryavanshi controversy prompts SLC action after heated Super Over finish

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken strict action after the ugly scenes that unfolded at the end of the India A vs Sri Lanka A one-day tri-series match in Dambulla. It was a thrilling contest, but the ugly confrontation involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that unfolded after the final ball left everyone shocked and became a big controversy.

The high-voltage match ended in unbelievable fashion as both teams finished with exactly 265 runs. Sri Lanka A eventually held their nerve to win the Super Over, but the tensions between players from both sides have overshadowed their efforts in the match.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) punishes players after post-match drama

A Cricbuzz report revealed that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken action against some of the players involved in the post-match controversy. Sri Lanka A batter, Vishen Halambage, has been sanctioned following the heated exchange with India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the one-day tri-series match.

For which, Vishen Halambage faced vicious online attack. The tension exploded moments after Sri Lanka A won the Super Over against India A. Several pieces of viral footage showed an angry confrontation between Sooryavanshi and Halambage.

The situation escalated when the Indian youngster appeared to push the Sri Lankan player before teammates and officials rushed in to separate the two cricketers and prevent the matter from getting worse. The disciplinary action was reportedly taken by match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash after reviewing the events surrounding the drama.

Niroshan Dickwella fined, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s status still unclear

Another Sri Lanka A player, experienced wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, has also reportedly been fined for a different breach during the match.

The offense is believed to be related to excessive appealing while keeping wickets. Interestingly, there is still no clarity on whether any action was taken against Sooryavanshi for shoving Halambage before being separated during the clash.

The left-hander’s involvement in the confrontation was visible during the post-match scenes, but it is being said that no official hearing was conducted and the sanctions were based on reports submitted by the on-field umpires on the incident in Dambulla.

Sairaj Bahutule defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, takes aim at Sri Lanka players

Meanwhile, India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the heated incident against Sri Lanka A. The coach said he was surprised to see the 15-year-old involved in such a situation and slammed the behavior of Sri Lankan players.

Sairaj Bahutule said ahead of India’s second ODI against Afghanistan, as quoted by Times of India: “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. Sri Lankan players should also be educated on how to behave.”

Bahutule has worked with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for several years, both in junior cricket and at Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, so he feels the teenager will learn from this incident. He signed off by saying, “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.”