![Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanjay Manjrekar [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782027714817_VaibhavSooryavanshi (3).jpg)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanjay Manjrekar [Source: X]
Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar appears to have indirectly apologised to young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following the latter's stunning performance in the final of the Tri-Nation Series in Sri Lanka.
Sooryavanshi, who has been representing India A in the tournament, had endured a relatively quiet campaign leading up to the final.
In four innings before the title clash, the Indian young batter had scored 117 runs at an average of under 30, with a strike rate of 153.95. His highest score was 44 against Afghanistan A.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Got Involved In An On-Field Altercation
Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi found himself at the center of controversy during India A's earlier encounter against Sri Lanka A. The youngster was involved in an on-field altercation with Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage, eventually shoving him after the match.
Notably, the incident sparked widespread debate across the cricketing community. While many commentators, pundits, and fans urged leniency given Sooryavanshi's young age, others defended the batter by accusing Halambage of repeatedly sledging and provoking him throughout the tournament.
Sanjay Manjrekar Called For Disciplinary Action Against The Youngster
As opinions remained divided, Sanjay Manjrekar made his stance clear. The former India batter took to X on June 17 and suggested that Sooryavanshi should have been dropped for a game as a disciplinary measure. He wrote,
"If I was India A coach or manager I would have left Vaibhav Suryavanshi out for this game v AFG. Only to let him know that it's not OK to get physical on the field. Whatever the provocations."
However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi responded in the best possible manner, with his bat.
Under immense pressure in the Tri-Series final on Sunday, June 21, the Bihar batter produced a breathtaking innings. He raced to a half-century in just 11 balls and continued his assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers, reaching 94 runs off only 29 deliveries, including 10 fours and eight sixes.
Also Read: Niroshan Dickwella Pats On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Back As India-Sri Lanka Spat Ends
Notably, his remarkable knock eventually came to an end when he was dismissed by Sahan Arachchige, falling just six runs short of a memorable century.
Sanjay Manjrekar's X Post Seen As An Indirect Apology
Following the explosive innings, Manjrekar took to X once again, this time showering praise on the youngster in what many viewed as an indirect acknowledgment of his earlier criticism.
He wrote: "Just realised Vaibhav looks at 50 overs cricket as a format where he can create even more mayhem! What with 2 fielders outside the circle for 10 overs! & not 6. 😳👏👏👏 #SonySports"
Riding on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's sensational 29-ball 94, India A seized complete control of the final against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla.
At the time of writing, India A are at 255/3 after 35.5 overs, having opted to bat first.
Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is also set to take the next step in his career soon. The youngster has been selected in India's senior men's squad for the upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland, alongside Tilak Varma. The IRE vs IND T20I series will take place on June 26 and June 28, respectively.
Also Read: Babar Azam-Shaheen Afridi In Trouble, PCB To Punish Them
