New Delhi: Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in strong support of 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following criticism over his on-field behaviour during the recently concluded Tri-Nation A series.

Sooryavanshi, who represented India A in the tournament, attracted attention for both his exceptional batting performance and a heated altercation during a league-stage match against Sri Lanka A. The youngster was seen involved in a verbal exchange and even pushed an opposition player, prompting criticism from sections of fans on social media.

Ashwin backs young cricketer

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin defended the teenager and urged people to be mindful of his age before passing judgement. He questioned the harsh criticism directed at the young cricketer and highlighted the emotional nature of competitive sport.

Ashwin emphasised that people often forget their own youth while expecting exceptional maturity from young athletes. He pointed out that such incidents are not uncommon in sports, especially when players are under pressure and striving to perform at the highest level.

He further added that labelling or targeting a young player based on a single incident could be damaging and unfair.

Comparison with past greats questioned

The former off-spinner also addressed comparisons between Sooryavanshi and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Ashwin noted that the level of scrutiny faced by players today is significantly higher than in previous generations.

He explained that during Tendulkar’s early years, there was limited media coverage of India A matches and far less public attention on young players. In contrast, the presence of social media, extensive broadcast coverage and leagues like the IPL have amplified visibility and pressure on emerging talents.

According to Ashwin, expecting the same level of composure from modern-day teenagers without considering these factors is unrealistic.

Officials responsible for on-field discipline

Ashwin also stressed that maintaining discipline on the field is primarily the responsibility of match officials, including umpires and referees. He cautioned against drawing conclusions without knowing the full context of the incident.

He pointed out that viewers and fans watching from a distance may not be aware of what transpired during the altercation and should refrain from making harsh judgments based on limited information.

Stellar performance despite controversy

Despite the controversy, Sooryavanshi ended the Tri-Nation A series on a high note with a remarkable performance in the final. The 15-year-old smashed a 29-ball 94, showcasing his immense potential and fearless approach.

His innings included a record-breaking 11-ball half-century in List A cricket, underlining his ability to dominate opposition bowlers even at a young age.

Focus shifts to international opportunity

Following his impressive performances, Sooryavanshi has been included in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. The selection marks a significant step in his budding career and presents him with an opportunity to make his international debut.

The young cricketer will now look to channel his energy positively and focus on delivering consistent performances at the highest level.

Conclusion

Ravichandran Ashwin’s defence of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi highlights the need for balanced perspectives when evaluating young athletes. While discipline remains important, understanding the pressures faced by emerging players is equally crucial.

As Sooryavanshi prepares for the next phase of his career, the focus will be on his cricketing talent and growth, rather than isolated incidents. With proper guidance and support, he has the potential to become a key player for India in the future.