A thrilling contest between India A and Sri Lanka A in Dambulla ended on a sour note after young Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became involved in an on-field altercation moments after the match concluded.
The incident occurred immediately following the final delivery of the super over, which sealed victory for Sri Lanka A. Chasing an almost impossible target on the last ball, India A fell short when Sri Lankan bowler Kugathas Mathulan delivered a precise yorker, triggering celebrations among the home side.
As Sri Lanka A players rejoiced, Sooryavanshi appeared visibly upset and soon became engaged in a verbal exchange with members of the opposition team. While the exact trigger remains unclear, it is believed that either the celebrations or comments exchanged after the match may have led to the confrontation.
The situation quickly escalated, with the young opener reportedly pushing one of the Sri Lankan players during the heated moment. Senior wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella stepped in to calm tensions and separate the players before matters worsened.
Even during the customary post-match handshakes, Sooryavanshi appeared frustrated and required intervention from teammates as he made his way off the field. Commentators covering the match expressed disappointment that such scenes unfolded after an otherwise entertaining contest.
The game itself featured several tense moments. Earlier, India A captain Tilak Varma was involved in discussions with match officials regarding playing conditions and a disputed no-ball decision during the super over.
From a personal standpoint, Sooryavanshi endured a modest outing with the bat, scoring 21 runs from 14 deliveries during India's innings.
This is not the first time the promising youngster has found himself at the centre of a heated exchange. During the Under-19 Asia Cup final last year, he was involved in a verbal confrontation with Pakistan's Ali Raza following his dismissal.
Despite his undeniable talent, the latest episode is likely to draw attention to the importance of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations as Sooryavanshi continues his rise through the ranks of Indian cricket.