3 days ago
On August 18, 2008, a 19-year-old Virat Kohli walked out at Dambulla and scored 12 on his India debut. Eighteen years later, the boy who was once a surprise selection has become one of the defining figures of modern cricket: a batter, captain, standard-setter, survivor and, perhaps most importantly, a player who changed what Indian cricket expected from itself.
Virat Kohli is not just an athlete; he has become a brand of cricket, inspiring a generation through his mindset, skills and, most importantly, his hunger for the game. That hunger made him more intense, more furious and, at his best, almost unbeatable. Across his career, Kohli has achieved almost everything: the U19 World Cup, ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
There was nothing particularly prophetic about Virat Kohli's first international innings.
On that day at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka, the teenager walked out to open India's innings. He faced 22 **** , made 12 and was trapped lbw by Nuwan Kulasekara.
India lost by eight wickets. There was no century. No match-winning chase. No hint, at least in the scorecard, that something extraordinary had begun.
Eighteen years later, the numbers have become difficult to ignore.
As of August 2026, Kohli has played 314 ODIs and scored 14,941 runs at 58.59, with 54 hundreds and 79 fifties. He has 9,230 Test runs from 123 matches, including 30 centuries, and finished his T20I career with 4,188 runs from 125 matches. Across international cricket, that is 28,359 runs and 85 centuries.
Long before Dambulla, there was a December morning in 2006 that revealed something about Kohli that statistics never could. He was 18, playing for Delhi against Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy match at the Feroz Shah Kotla. He was unbeaten on 40 overnight when his father, Prem Kohli, died suddenly. Kohli returned to the ground the next morning. He scored 90. It was not just an innings. It was an early declaration of character.
Two years later, he was leading India at the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. India won the tournament. Kohli scored 235 runs in six innings at an average of 47.
He had a modest start to his international career during the Sri Lanka tour. In the fourth ODI of that 2008 series, Kohli made 54, his first international half-century. A year later came his first hundred: 107 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata.
By 2011, Kohli was no longer a prospect. He was part of India's World Cup-winning side. He scored a century against Bangladesh in India's opening game and later walked into the **** hede dressing room during the final when India were 31 for 2.
He made 35. Not the sort of number that usually survives in a career built on hundreds. His 35 helped India recover alongside Gautam Gambhir, before MS Dhoni's 91 finished the job against Sri Lanka.
India won the World Cup. Kohli was just 22.
#kohli #dambulla
Virat Kohli is not just an athlete; he has become a brand of cricket, inspiring a generation through his mindset, skills and, most importantly, his hunger for the game. That hunger made him more intense, more furious and, at his best, almost unbeatable. Across his career, Kohli has achieved almost everything: the U19 World Cup, ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
There was nothing particularly prophetic about Virat Kohli's first international innings.
On that day at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka, the teenager walked out to open India's innings. He faced 22 **** , made 12 and was trapped lbw by Nuwan Kulasekara.
India lost by eight wickets. There was no century. No match-winning chase. No hint, at least in the scorecard, that something extraordinary had begun.
Eighteen years later, the numbers have become difficult to ignore.
As of August 2026, Kohli has played 314 ODIs and scored 14,941 runs at 58.59, with 54 hundreds and 79 fifties. He has 9,230 Test runs from 123 matches, including 30 centuries, and finished his T20I career with 4,188 runs from 125 matches. Across international cricket, that is 28,359 runs and 85 centuries.
Long before Dambulla, there was a December morning in 2006 that revealed something about Kohli that statistics never could. He was 18, playing for Delhi against Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy match at the Feroz Shah Kotla. He was unbeaten on 40 overnight when his father, Prem Kohli, died suddenly. Kohli returned to the ground the next morning. He scored 90. It was not just an innings. It was an early declaration of character.
Two years later, he was leading India at the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. India won the tournament. Kohli scored 235 runs in six innings at an average of 47.
He had a modest start to his international career during the Sri Lanka tour. In the fourth ODI of that 2008 series, Kohli made 54, his first international half-century. A year later came his first hundred: 107 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata.
By 2011, Kohli was no longer a prospect. He was part of India's World Cup-winning side. He scored a century against Bangladesh in India's opening game and later walked into the **** hede dressing room during the final when India were 31 for 2.
He made 35. Not the sort of number that usually survives in a career built on hundreds. His 35 helped India recover alongside Gautam Gambhir, before MS Dhoni's 91 finished the job against Sri Lanka.
India won the World Cup. Kohli was just 22.
#kohli #dambulla
30 days ago
Today's cricket sees The Hundred continue at Southampton with Southern Brave vs. Welsh Fire for both for the men and women. Colombo Kaps take on Jaffna Kings and Dambulla Sixers play Galle Gallants in the Lanka Premier League.
Dafabet
MAKE YOUR BET WITH DAFABET AND GET UP TO 200% WELCOME BONUS
CLICK TO BET
MAKE YOUR BET WITH DAFABET AND GET UP TO 200% WELCOME BONUS
Match
Format
#southern
Dafabet
MAKE YOUR BET WITH DAFABET AND GET UP TO 200% WELCOME BONUS
CLICK TO BET
MAKE YOUR BET WITH DAFABET AND GET UP TO 200% WELCOME BONUS
Match
Format
#southern
2 months ago
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Sanju Samson cannot afford too many failures with young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting in the wings, following India's disappointing start to the T20I series against Ireland.
India, led by new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, suffered a 34-run defeat in the opening match of the two-game series in Belfast on Friday. The loss has intensified calls for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to be handed his international debut in the second and final T20I at the same venue on Sunday.
For the series opener, the Indian team management retained the opening pair of T20 World Cup 2026 heroes Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench. Whether the teenage batting prodigy gets his opportunity in the next match remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of Sunday's contest.
Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, failed to make an impact against Ireland. The wicketkeeper-batter managed only five runs from four deliveries before being dismissed.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network after India's defeat, Manjrekar said both Samson and Abhishek Sharma must remain alert because of the growing competition for places at the top of the order.
"But Sanju Samson needs to be careful because Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is breathing down his and Abhishek Sharma's necks," Manjrekar said on the Sony Sports Network.
Despite backing Sooryavanshi's immense talent, Manjrekar felt the youngster alone would not have been able to change the outcome of the opening game. He explained that the difficult chase required an explosive start as well as sustained momentum, making the task challenging regardless of who opened the innings.
"I think he would have done what Abhishek did, slightly better, maybe. A chase where you had to do everything in the first six overs. You had to carry that momentum for the rest of the overs as well. So he could have made things a little easier in the chase, but the target became just too big, and conditions weren't easy. And you saw in the tri-series in Dambulla as well how the sixes weren't coming as often to him," Manjrekar said.
The former India batter also pointed out that Sooryavanshi had experienced similar challenges during the tri-series in Dambulla, where clearing the ropes consistently proved difficult. While he believes the youngster may have made a difference during the Powerplay, Manjrekar maintained that there is currently no vacancy at the top of India's batting order.
"And it was a reminder, and I'm very glad that you know I said that earlier as well, that people got an idea as to how sixes are not so easy to hit. So Vaibhav would have managed it in the first six overs, but he also would have had his work cut out later. And to answer your question, I don't think it would have made that much of a difference unless you want to play him down the order. Middle order, there is some place
India, led by new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, suffered a 34-run defeat in the opening match of the two-game series in Belfast on Friday. The loss has intensified calls for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to be handed his international debut in the second and final T20I at the same venue on Sunday.
For the series opener, the Indian team management retained the opening pair of T20 World Cup 2026 heroes Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench. Whether the teenage batting prodigy gets his opportunity in the next match remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of Sunday's contest.
Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, failed to make an impact against Ireland. The wicketkeeper-batter managed only five runs from four deliveries before being dismissed.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network after India's defeat, Manjrekar said both Samson and Abhishek Sharma must remain alert because of the growing competition for places at the top of the order.
"But Sanju Samson needs to be careful because Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is breathing down his and Abhishek Sharma's necks," Manjrekar said on the Sony Sports Network.
Despite backing Sooryavanshi's immense talent, Manjrekar felt the youngster alone would not have been able to change the outcome of the opening game. He explained that the difficult chase required an explosive start as well as sustained momentum, making the task challenging regardless of who opened the innings.
"I think he would have done what Abhishek did, slightly better, maybe. A chase where you had to do everything in the first six overs. You had to carry that momentum for the rest of the overs as well. So he could have made things a little easier in the chase, but the target became just too big, and conditions weren't easy. And you saw in the tri-series in Dambulla as well how the sixes weren't coming as often to him," Manjrekar said.
The former India batter also pointed out that Sooryavanshi had experienced similar challenges during the tri-series in Dambulla, where clearing the ropes consistently proved difficult. While he believes the youngster may have made a difference during the Powerplay, Manjrekar maintained that there is currently no vacancy at the top of India's batting order.
"And it was a reminder, and I'm very glad that you know I said that earlier as well, that people got an idea as to how sixes are not so easy to hit. So Vaibhav would have managed it in the first six overs, but he also would have had his work cut out later. And to answer your question, I don't think it would have made that much of a difference unless you want to play him down the order. Middle order, there is some place
2 months ago
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly defended teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following the criticism that emerged after the youngster's altercation with Sri Lankan players during the tri-series final in Dambulla.
The incident took place after India's defeat in the Super Over and quickly became a major talking point among fans and experts. However, Ashwin believes the reaction has been excessive and warned against turning criticism into personal attacks on a young cricketer still learning the demands of the international game.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin questioned why so many people were quick to target Sooryavanshi over a single moment.
"All we can do is talk with hate. And what happens then? If the person we are hating eventually reads those things, it might affect them a little. But what do we achieve by talking like that? That is why I am saying this. How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?"
Ashwin also pushed back against those demanding greater maturity from the teenager, reminding critics that age and experience must be taken into account before passing judgement.
"Tell me, how can anyone hate him? And everyone is saying, 'This kid should have shown maturity. He should have spoken with more maturity.' Have we forgotten that we too were children once? Have we forgotten that there are children like that in our own families? This is a very dangerous trend," he added.
The former off-spinner went on to explain the difference between constructive criticism and hatred, arguing that the two are often confused in modern sporting discussions.
"What is criticism? If today you are hosting the show and I tell you, 'Vimal bhai, I didn't like the hosting so much today. Maybe we can pay attention here. Maybe this question could have been asked differently. Maybe this point could have been handled differently.' That is criticism. Criticism means finding a path for someone to move forward and improve. But what is hatred? Hatred is when somebody has achieved something, and we keep attacking them with words. We keep trying to pull them down. That does not happen," said Ashwin.
With Sooryavanshi potentially set for his India debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, Ashwin urged supporters and critics alike to allow the youngster to develop without the weight of constant scrutiny.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a cricketer. He performs for us. He is an entertainer with immense skill. Forget his family, his well-wishers, his fans and the team management for a moment. As a lover of the sport, I just want him to enjoy cricket and play without pressure. After playing cricket for so many years, I've realised that playing freely, without baggage, is one of the hardest things to do. As long as we can give him that freedom, let him enjoy himself. Whether he succeeds or fails doesn't matter. The way he plays is a spectacle. Let the kid enjoy himself," said Ashwin.
The backing from Ashwin co
The incident took place after India's defeat in the Super Over and quickly became a major talking point among fans and experts. However, Ashwin believes the reaction has been excessive and warned against turning criticism into personal attacks on a young cricketer still learning the demands of the international game.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin questioned why so many people were quick to target Sooryavanshi over a single moment.
"All we can do is talk with hate. And what happens then? If the person we are hating eventually reads those things, it might affect them a little. But what do we achieve by talking like that? That is why I am saying this. How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?"
Ashwin also pushed back against those demanding greater maturity from the teenager, reminding critics that age and experience must be taken into account before passing judgement.
"Tell me, how can anyone hate him? And everyone is saying, 'This kid should have shown maturity. He should have spoken with more maturity.' Have we forgotten that we too were children once? Have we forgotten that there are children like that in our own families? This is a very dangerous trend," he added.
The former off-spinner went on to explain the difference between constructive criticism and hatred, arguing that the two are often confused in modern sporting discussions.
"What is criticism? If today you are hosting the show and I tell you, 'Vimal bhai, I didn't like the hosting so much today. Maybe we can pay attention here. Maybe this question could have been asked differently. Maybe this point could have been handled differently.' That is criticism. Criticism means finding a path for someone to move forward and improve. But what is hatred? Hatred is when somebody has achieved something, and we keep attacking them with words. We keep trying to pull them down. That does not happen," said Ashwin.
With Sooryavanshi potentially set for his India debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, Ashwin urged supporters and critics alike to allow the youngster to develop without the weight of constant scrutiny.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a cricketer. He performs for us. He is an entertainer with immense skill. Forget his family, his well-wishers, his fans and the team management for a moment. As a lover of the sport, I just want him to enjoy cricket and play without pressure. After playing cricket for so many years, I've realised that playing freely, without baggage, is one of the hardest things to do. As long as we can give him that freedom, let him enjoy himself. Whether he succeeds or fails doesn't matter. The way he plays is a spectacle. Let the kid enjoy himself," said Ashwin.
The backing from Ashwin co
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed how a timely conversation with his coach helped him overcome a difficult phase and return to his destructive best in the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla.
The 15-year-old smashed a breathtaking 94 off just 29 **** , including the fastest List A half-century in history off only 11 deliveries, as India A thrashed Sri Lanka A by 66 runs to lift the **** le.
But the record-breaking knock came after a lean run in the tournament and mounting scrutiny over his form and temperament following an on-field altercation during India A’s previous meeting with Sri Lanka A.
“When runs were not coming, I sat down with Hrishi [Hrishikesh Kanitkar] sir to discuss a few things and he gave me a free hand to play freely,” Sooryavanshi told Sportstar after the final.
“These conditions were slightly different, so it threw some challenges initially. So, I was trying too hard, but wasn’t able to execute the plans. That’s when he told me, ‘tu apna natural game khel, zyada soch mat’ (you play your natural game and don’t think too much about anything else). That motivated me and I continued to back myself and I’m happy that things worked out well,” the teenager said.
Coming into the summit clash, Sooryavanshi had managed only 117 runs in four innings and had struggled to convert starts on the slower surfaces in Sri Lanka.
However, the left-hander insisted that pressure never entered his mind despite the criticism surrounding him.
“There was no pressure on me,” Sooryavanshi said. “When I walked out to bat, the idea was to execute what I had planned for in the first ten overs and then take it forward. It worked…”
His astonishing **** ault effectively settled the contest inside the first ten overs. India A raced to 132 in just nine overs before eventually posting 377/9. Sri Lanka A were then bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs.
Sri Lanka A skipper Sahan Arachchige admitted that Sooryavanshi’s blitz put his side on the back foot immediately.
“Sooryavanshi played a brilliant innings. We managed the innings nicely thereon but let it slide in the last two overs,” Arachchige said.
“When we are chasing a big score, top order can fall cheaply. It happens. Young guys have played well, seniors have scored too. It's been a good tournament,” he added.
With an India T20 debut awaiting later this month, Sooryavanshi’s latest masterclass served as another reminder that even during difficult periods, trusting his natural instincts remains his greatest strength.
131909222
The 15-year-old smashed a breathtaking 94 off just 29 **** , including the fastest List A half-century in history off only 11 deliveries, as India A thrashed Sri Lanka A by 66 runs to lift the **** le.
But the record-breaking knock came after a lean run in the tournament and mounting scrutiny over his form and temperament following an on-field altercation during India A’s previous meeting with Sri Lanka A.
“When runs were not coming, I sat down with Hrishi [Hrishikesh Kanitkar] sir to discuss a few things and he gave me a free hand to play freely,” Sooryavanshi told Sportstar after the final.
“These conditions were slightly different, so it threw some challenges initially. So, I was trying too hard, but wasn’t able to execute the plans. That’s when he told me, ‘tu apna natural game khel, zyada soch mat’ (you play your natural game and don’t think too much about anything else). That motivated me and I continued to back myself and I’m happy that things worked out well,” the teenager said.
Coming into the summit clash, Sooryavanshi had managed only 117 runs in four innings and had struggled to convert starts on the slower surfaces in Sri Lanka.
However, the left-hander insisted that pressure never entered his mind despite the criticism surrounding him.
“There was no pressure on me,” Sooryavanshi said. “When I walked out to bat, the idea was to execute what I had planned for in the first ten overs and then take it forward. It worked…”
His astonishing **** ault effectively settled the contest inside the first ten overs. India A raced to 132 in just nine overs before eventually posting 377/9. Sri Lanka A were then bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs.
Sri Lanka A skipper Sahan Arachchige admitted that Sooryavanshi’s blitz put his side on the back foot immediately.
“Sooryavanshi played a brilliant innings. We managed the innings nicely thereon but let it slide in the last two overs,” Arachchige said.
“When we are chasing a big score, top order can fall cheaply. It happens. Young guys have played well, seniors have scored too. It's been a good tournament,” he added.
With an India T20 debut awaiting later this month, Sooryavanshi’s latest masterclass served as another reminder that even during difficult periods, trusting his natural instincts remains his greatest strength.
131909222
2 months ago
Cricket Ireland (CI) has confirmed that the upcoming two-match T20I series against India will be played as scheduled at Stormont in Belfast on June 26 and 28, following an extensive review of the security situation in the city.
The confirmation comes after civil disturbances were reported in Belfast earlier this month. In response, Cricket Ireland worked closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other relevant authorities to **** s any potential risks surrounding the fixtures.
"The safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in the series remains our highest priority. We continue to work closely with the PSNI, venue management and security partners, and are satisfied that the appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safe and successful staging of both fixtures," CI said.
According to the current **** sment, there is no specific threat to the matches, participating teams, match officials, spectators or the venue. Cricket Ireland also said it has received intelligence indicating that no protests or demonstrations are expected to disrupt either game.
"Accordingly, both Ireland v India T20 International matches at Stormont on 26 and 28 June will proceed as planned," CI said.
The governing body added that it will remain in constant contact with all relevant agencies in the lead-up to the series.
"We will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies and monitor developments in the lead-up to the fixtures. Supporters attending the matches are encouraged to follow official Cricket Ireland channels for any event updates and to allow additional travel time where necessary. We look forward to welcoming fans from Ireland, India and around the world to Belfast for what promises to be a memorable celebration of international cricket."
While India have regularly played limited-overs cricket in Dublin in recent years, this will mark their return to Belfast after nearly two decades. Their previous visit to Stormont came in 2007, when they featured in three ODIs against South Africa and one against Ireland.
India's more recent tours of Ireland have all been based in Dublin, where they played and won six T20Is across visits in 2018, 2022 and 2023.
This year's series will also see India play T20 Internationals in Belfast for the first time. Much of the attention ahead of the tour is centred on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who lit up the tri-series final in Dambulla with a stunning 94 and recorded the fastest fifty in List A cricket. Should he feature in either match, it would mark his senior India debut.
The 15-year-old's growing profile has already made him one of the biggest attractions of the tour, with broadcasters heavily promoting both the Ireland series and India's subsequent fixtures in England around the youngster.
Stormont has a seating capacity of around 4,200, a modest figure considering the strong following India commands worldwide. The Indian squad is scheduled to travel to
The confirmation comes after civil disturbances were reported in Belfast earlier this month. In response, Cricket Ireland worked closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other relevant authorities to **** s any potential risks surrounding the fixtures.
"The safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in the series remains our highest priority. We continue to work closely with the PSNI, venue management and security partners, and are satisfied that the appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safe and successful staging of both fixtures," CI said.
According to the current **** sment, there is no specific threat to the matches, participating teams, match officials, spectators or the venue. Cricket Ireland also said it has received intelligence indicating that no protests or demonstrations are expected to disrupt either game.
"Accordingly, both Ireland v India T20 International matches at Stormont on 26 and 28 June will proceed as planned," CI said.
The governing body added that it will remain in constant contact with all relevant agencies in the lead-up to the series.
"We will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies and monitor developments in the lead-up to the fixtures. Supporters attending the matches are encouraged to follow official Cricket Ireland channels for any event updates and to allow additional travel time where necessary. We look forward to welcoming fans from Ireland, India and around the world to Belfast for what promises to be a memorable celebration of international cricket."
While India have regularly played limited-overs cricket in Dublin in recent years, this will mark their return to Belfast after nearly two decades. Their previous visit to Stormont came in 2007, when they featured in three ODIs against South Africa and one against Ireland.
India's more recent tours of Ireland have all been based in Dublin, where they played and won six T20Is across visits in 2018, 2022 and 2023.
This year's series will also see India play T20 Internationals in Belfast for the first time. Much of the attention ahead of the tour is centred on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who lit up the tri-series final in Dambulla with a stunning 94 and recorded the fastest fifty in List A cricket. Should he feature in either match, it would mark his senior India debut.
The 15-year-old's growing profile has already made him one of the biggest attractions of the tour, with broadcasters heavily promoting both the Ireland series and India's subsequent fixtures in England around the youngster.
Stormont has a seating capacity of around 4,200, a modest figure considering the strong following India commands worldwide. The Indian squad is scheduled to travel to
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: Former India batter Manoj Tiwary believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs to learn how to handle provocation on the field after his recent altercation with Sri Lanka A players during the ongoing tri-series in Dambulla.
The incident took place after India A lost a Super Over thriller to Sri Lanka A on Monday. Television footage showed the 15-year-old pushing Sri Lankan spinner Vishen Halambage before senior player Niroshan ***** wella intervened. Reports suggested Halambage had been sledging Sooryavanshi throughout the series. While the Sri Lankan player was sanctioned, the Indian youngster escaped punishment.
Tiwary said the attention surrounding Sooryavanshi's rapid rise means rival teams will try to unsettle him.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has to understand a little. There will always be verbal battles against us on the pitch, because there are many countries that are jealous of us. So, they will provoke you. The way Vaibhav Suryavanshi's IPL campaign went, and the way he is moving forward and getting everything, so they will poke him more. The way a 15-year-old is progressing, they are jealous of it. So, we have to prepare him for it," the former batter said on Cricbuzz.
Tiwary said Sooryavanshi now faces an important decision regarding the image he wants to create in world cricket.
"It is upto him what kind of image he wants to create in the cricketing world. One path is like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who are generally calm people, they answer through performances. The other route is like Virat Kohli, people who are aggressive. Now he needs to decide how people want to perceive him. Anger is important, but it is important to point it in the right direction," he continued.
Tiwary also felt the controversy may have affected the youngster's batting after he managed only 38 runs against Afghanistan A.
"No one will take action against him for this, but he must realise what he has done. No one wants to see an emerging player be involved in pushing and shoving. The more he plays, the more he will understand about the conduct in the field. But under any circumstances, he should not go outside the laws of the game. People are watching him, and his behaviour will be noted. He scored only 30-40 runs today, so it is affecting him, as he did not score as much he should have," Tiwary concluded.
India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who has worked closely with Sooryavanshi at age-group level and with Rajasthan Royals, described the incident as unfortunate and backed the youngster to move on from it.
"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 in the press conference ahead of the second ODI between India and Afghanistan.
"Sri Lankan players should also be educated on how to behave," Bahutule added.
The former Mumbai skipper expres
The incident took place after India A lost a Super Over thriller to Sri Lanka A on Monday. Television footage showed the 15-year-old pushing Sri Lankan spinner Vishen Halambage before senior player Niroshan ***** wella intervened. Reports suggested Halambage had been sledging Sooryavanshi throughout the series. While the Sri Lankan player was sanctioned, the Indian youngster escaped punishment.
Tiwary said the attention surrounding Sooryavanshi's rapid rise means rival teams will try to unsettle him.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has to understand a little. There will always be verbal battles against us on the pitch, because there are many countries that are jealous of us. So, they will provoke you. The way Vaibhav Suryavanshi's IPL campaign went, and the way he is moving forward and getting everything, so they will poke him more. The way a 15-year-old is progressing, they are jealous of it. So, we have to prepare him for it," the former batter said on Cricbuzz.
Tiwary said Sooryavanshi now faces an important decision regarding the image he wants to create in world cricket.
"It is upto him what kind of image he wants to create in the cricketing world. One path is like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who are generally calm people, they answer through performances. The other route is like Virat Kohli, people who are aggressive. Now he needs to decide how people want to perceive him. Anger is important, but it is important to point it in the right direction," he continued.
Tiwary also felt the controversy may have affected the youngster's batting after he managed only 38 runs against Afghanistan A.
"No one will take action against him for this, but he must realise what he has done. No one wants to see an emerging player be involved in pushing and shoving. The more he plays, the more he will understand about the conduct in the field. But under any circumstances, he should not go outside the laws of the game. People are watching him, and his behaviour will be noted. He scored only 30-40 runs today, so it is affecting him, as he did not score as much he should have," Tiwary concluded.
India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who has worked closely with Sooryavanshi at age-group level and with Rajasthan Royals, described the incident as unfortunate and backed the youngster to move on from it.
"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 in the press conference ahead of the second ODI between India and Afghanistan.
"Sri Lankan players should also be educated on how to behave," Bahutule added.
The former Mumbai skipper expres
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: India A's thrilling tri-series clash against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla had everything — a tied match, a Super Over, controversy, and an ugly post-match altercation involving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. But long after Sri Lanka A sealed victory, one question continued to dominate discussions: why was a Super Over conducted despite rapidly deteriorating light?
The answer lies in a series of tense discussions, differing opinions and a determination to finish the contest that ultimately left players struggling to even see the ball.
According to a Sportstar report, India A captain Tilak Varma was keen to ensure the match produced a result and repeatedly urged the umpires to proceed with the Super Over after the scores were tied at the end of regulation play.
As players **** embled near the boundary ropes, the Indian skipper maintained there was still enough time to complete the tie-breaker.
The Sri Lankan camp, however, was far less certain. Players, officials and match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash engaged in prolonged discussions, with animated exchanges taking place as both sides debated whether conditions were suitable to continue. By the time consensus was reached, darkness had almost engulfed the venue.
Sources quoted by Sportstar revealed that the Indian team had been informed that the umpires retained the authority to halt proceedings if visibility deteriorated to an unsafe level. However, despite the worsening conditions, the match carried on, with pace bowlers operating under fading light that left many observers puzzled.
By the time Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge walked out to chase 17 runs, visibility had become a serious concern. From the stands, spectators found it difficult to track the ball. Players appeared equally uncomfortable.
"Yaar, ball dikh hi nahi raha hai (Mate, I can't even see the ball)," one player was heard telling his teammates as per the same report.
The answer lies in a series of tense discussions, differing opinions and a determination to finish the contest that ultimately left players struggling to even see the ball.
According to a Sportstar report, India A captain Tilak Varma was keen to ensure the match produced a result and repeatedly urged the umpires to proceed with the Super Over after the scores were tied at the end of regulation play.
As players **** embled near the boundary ropes, the Indian skipper maintained there was still enough time to complete the tie-breaker.
The Sri Lankan camp, however, was far less certain. Players, officials and match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash engaged in prolonged discussions, with animated exchanges taking place as both sides debated whether conditions were suitable to continue. By the time consensus was reached, darkness had almost engulfed the venue.
Sources quoted by Sportstar revealed that the Indian team had been informed that the umpires retained the authority to halt proceedings if visibility deteriorated to an unsafe level. However, despite the worsening conditions, the match carried on, with pace bowlers operating under fading light that left many observers puzzled.
By the time Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge walked out to chase 17 runs, visibility had become a serious concern. From the stands, spectators found it difficult to track the ball. Players appeared equally uncomfortable.
"Yaar, ball dikh hi nahi raha hai (Mate, I can't even see the ball)," one player was heard telling his teammates as per the same report.
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: The India A vs Sri Lanka A match in the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla had everything - controversy, confusion, heated exchanges, a Super Over and even a tense confrontation involving teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
While Sri Lanka A eventually emerged victorious in the Super Over on Monday, much of the post-match attention shifted to Sooryavanshi after videos of the dramatic scenes went viral on social media.
After the match ended in a tie, confusion prevailed over whether a Super Over would be played as fading light became a concern. India A captain Tilak Varma was seen engaged in lengthy discussions with the umpires, insisting that the game continue and be decided through a Super Over.
In a video doing the rounds on social media, Sooryavanshi can first be seen joining Tilak in questioning the officials. As the discussions intensified, India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar stepped in and pulled the youngster away from the umpires.
Moments later, Sooryavanshi appeared to urge Tilak to walk away from the discussion and was seen physically nudging his captain away from the boundary ropes as the argument continued.
— AbhiMSD_07 (AbhiMSD_07)
The drama did not end there.
Following Sri Lanka A's victory in the Super Over, Sooryavanshi was involved in a heated exchange with a Sri Lankan player. The confrontation briefly escalated before teammates intervened and separated the players.
— Maina_Singhx77 (Maina_Singhx77)
While Sri Lanka A eventually emerged victorious in the Super Over on Monday, much of the post-match attention shifted to Sooryavanshi after videos of the dramatic scenes went viral on social media.
After the match ended in a tie, confusion prevailed over whether a Super Over would be played as fading light became a concern. India A captain Tilak Varma was seen engaged in lengthy discussions with the umpires, insisting that the game continue and be decided through a Super Over.
In a video doing the rounds on social media, Sooryavanshi can first be seen joining Tilak in questioning the officials. As the discussions intensified, India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar stepped in and pulled the youngster away from the umpires.
Moments later, Sooryavanshi appeared to urge Tilak to walk away from the discussion and was seen physically nudging his captain away from the boundary ropes as the argument continued.
— AbhiMSD_07 (AbhiMSD_07)
The drama did not end there.
Following Sri Lanka A's victory in the Super Over, Sooryavanshi was involved in a heated exchange with a Sri Lankan player. The confrontation briefly escalated before teammates intervened and separated the players.
— Maina_Singhx77 (Maina_Singhx77)
2 months ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shows class with respectful gesture as SL's first ODI captain offers valuable advice after tough loss originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sri Lanka's first ODI captain, Anura Tennekoon, waited an hour just to meet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the India A vs Sri Lanka A match in Dambulla.
The 15-year-old touched Tennekoon's feet in a touching gesture after a difficult night.
Tennekoon told Sooryavanshi to focus on his game and ignore the outside noise.
Anura Tennekoon, Sri Lanka's first-ever ODI captain, now in his seventies, waited for over an hour outside India A's dressing room to meet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Sri Lanka's first ODI captain, Anura Tennekoon, waited an hour just to meet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the India A vs Sri Lanka A match in Dambulla.
The 15-year-old touched Tennekoon's feet in a touching gesture after a difficult night.
Tennekoon told Sooryavanshi to focus on his game and ignore the outside noise.
Anura Tennekoon, Sri Lanka's first-ever ODI captain, now in his seventies, waited for over an hour outside India A's dressing room to meet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
2 months ago
TimesofIndia.com in Lucknow: A day after switching his domestic allegiance from Rajasthan to Gujarat, fast bowler Ashok Sharma has been drafted into the India A squad in Sri Lanka as an injury replacement. The 23-year-old pacer replaces injured Yudhvir Singh.
Ashok will fly to Colombo on Tuesday morning before linking up with the squad in Dambulla, where the tri-series featuring India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A is being played.
Led by Tilak Varma, India A suffered a narrow defeat against the hosts on Monday and will now face Afghanistan A in a must-win clash on June 17.
Ashok grabbed attention during the Indian Premier League with his raw pace. He picked up six wickets in as many matches and is highly rated by the management of Gujarat ******* ans, who signed him for ?90 lakh at the auction.
TimesofIndia.com understands that Ashok's ability to bowl at 150 kph while disguising a 115-kph slower delivery with the same action has particularly impressed Gujarat ******* ans captain Shubman Gill.
The young speedster first burst into the spotlight with his express pace. He broke an 11-year-old record in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets.
Ashok secured his first IPL contract in 2022 when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ?55 lakh. He was later released and spent a season as a net bowler with Rajasthan Royals. At the 2025 mega auction, Rajasthan Royals bought him for his base price of ?30 lakh but released him again without giving him a game.
Despite the setbacks, one thing remained constant: the advice he received from Australian captain Pat ******* mins during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders.
"I never thought about slowing down. I just wanted to maintain my pace and hit the right lengths. In 2022, I spent a lot of time with Pat ******* mins," Ashok had told TimesofIndia.com earlier this year.
"I spoke to him about lengths and what I could do better. He asked me a simple question: 'What is your strength?' Every bowler has one. Some swing it, some seam it. He asked me what I felt my strength was. I told him I could hit a hard length at good pace. He told me to stick to that. Whenever I practise, I remember his words. They still echo in my ears."
Ashok now has an opportunity to impress the selectors with his pace and control in the India A setup. There is still no proper road connecting his village, Rampura, located about 35 kilometres from Jaipur, to the outside world. But the young fast bowler's journey is moving in the right direction, and he is edging closer to his destination.
Ashok will fly to Colombo on Tuesday morning before linking up with the squad in Dambulla, where the tri-series featuring India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A is being played.
Led by Tilak Varma, India A suffered a narrow defeat against the hosts on Monday and will now face Afghanistan A in a must-win clash on June 17.
Ashok grabbed attention during the Indian Premier League with his raw pace. He picked up six wickets in as many matches and is highly rated by the management of Gujarat ******* ans, who signed him for ?90 lakh at the auction.
TimesofIndia.com understands that Ashok's ability to bowl at 150 kph while disguising a 115-kph slower delivery with the same action has particularly impressed Gujarat ******* ans captain Shubman Gill.
The young speedster first burst into the spotlight with his express pace. He broke an 11-year-old record in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets.
Ashok secured his first IPL contract in 2022 when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ?55 lakh. He was later released and spent a season as a net bowler with Rajasthan Royals. At the 2025 mega auction, Rajasthan Royals bought him for his base price of ?30 lakh but released him again without giving him a game.
Despite the setbacks, one thing remained constant: the advice he received from Australian captain Pat ******* mins during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders.
"I never thought about slowing down. I just wanted to maintain my pace and hit the right lengths. In 2022, I spent a lot of time with Pat ******* mins," Ashok had told TimesofIndia.com earlier this year.
"I spoke to him about lengths and what I could do better. He asked me a simple question: 'What is your strength?' Every bowler has one. Some swing it, some seam it. He asked me what I felt my strength was. I told him I could hit a hard length at good pace. He told me to stick to that. Whenever I practise, I remember his words. They still echo in my ears."
Ashok now has an opportunity to impress the selectors with his pace and control in the India A setup. There is still no proper road connecting his village, Rampura, located about 35 kilometres from Jaipur, to the outside world. But the young fast bowler's journey is moving in the right direction, and he is edging closer to his destination.
2 months ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-anticipated return to competitive cricket for India A ended in a brief stay at the crease as the teenage sensation managed 14 runs in the Tri-Nation A Series opener against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Tuesday.
The young batter, who attracted widespread attention following his stellar IPL 2026 campaign, walked in with plenty of expectations but could not convert his start into a big score.
Sooryavanshi struck only three fours during his 12-ball knock before being caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Mohamed Shiraz. His dismissal left India A at 16-1 in the fourth over.
India A had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Alongside Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh also departed early for just two runs.
However, Priyansh Arya and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a useful partnership before Arya was run out for 32.
Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 46, while captain Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 18 as India A reached 118-3 after 28 overs.
Ahead of the match, Sri Lanka A vice-captain Niroshan ****** wella had spoken about the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi and the challenge of facing the youngster.
“I’m glad to be a wicketkeeper, because I won’t be getting many of the ****** when he is batting. He’s an exciting talent, and everyone loves the way the BCCI is handling him at this age and giving him opportunities in the ‘A’ team to perform. He’s not only a motivation for young Sri Lankan cricketers, but for youngsters all over the world. He hasn’t played a lot of List ‘A’ cricket, but this is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent, explore, and show that he’s a very good short-format player. And, you know, we’re looking forward to this contest,” ****** wella told TOI.
131607582
When asked about plans to contain the Indian batter, ****** wella said: “We’re not trying to stop him, but, we’ll try to execute our basics first. We’ve some plans for him and for the whole Indian batting line-up. But, on that day, on the merit of how he is going to take the bowlers on, we will try and keep him down. The conditions here are different... I think in the IPL they have flatter pitches, but here in Sri Lanka we have huge grounds.”
The young batter, who attracted widespread attention following his stellar IPL 2026 campaign, walked in with plenty of expectations but could not convert his start into a big score.
Sooryavanshi struck only three fours during his 12-ball knock before being caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Mohamed Shiraz. His dismissal left India A at 16-1 in the fourth over.
India A had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Alongside Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh also departed early for just two runs.
However, Priyansh Arya and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a useful partnership before Arya was run out for 32.
Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 46, while captain Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 18 as India A reached 118-3 after 28 overs.
Ahead of the match, Sri Lanka A vice-captain Niroshan ****** wella had spoken about the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi and the challenge of facing the youngster.
“I’m glad to be a wicketkeeper, because I won’t be getting many of the ****** when he is batting. He’s an exciting talent, and everyone loves the way the BCCI is handling him at this age and giving him opportunities in the ‘A’ team to perform. He’s not only a motivation for young Sri Lankan cricketers, but for youngsters all over the world. He hasn’t played a lot of List ‘A’ cricket, but this is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent, explore, and show that he’s a very good short-format player. And, you know, we’re looking forward to this contest,” ****** wella told TOI.
131607582
When asked about plans to contain the Indian batter, ****** wella said: “We’re not trying to stop him, but, we’ll try to execute our basics first. We’ve some plans for him and for the whole Indian batting line-up. But, on that day, on the merit of how he is going to take the bowlers on, we will try and keep him down. The conditions here are different... I think in the IPL they have flatter pitches, but here in Sri Lanka we have huge grounds.”
