Questions around discipline and player conduct have emerged following Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s on-field altercation with Sri Lanka A players, with former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar suggesting the teenager should have been omitted from India A’s next match as a disciplinary measure. Manjrekar took to X after the incident during the ongoing Tri-Nation A Series in Sri Lanka, where emotions boiled over following a dramatic finish between India A and Sri Lanka A.
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’s it’s not OK to get physical on the field. Whatever the provocations.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 17, 2026
Addressing the incident, Manjrekar 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’s it’s not OK to get physical on the field. Whatever the provocations.”
Confrontation follows Super Over defeat
The incident occurred after Sri Lanka A secured victory in a Super Over following a tied match between the two sides. Television footage showed Suryavanshi confronting Sri Lanka A batter Vishen Halambage after the conclusion of the contest.
Reports that emerged after the match indicated that Halambage had been sledging Suryavanshi during the Tri-Nation A Series. The confrontation followed the Super Over defeat, with the young Indian batter becoming involved in a physical exchange with the Sri Lanka A player.
According to reports, Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella and Halambage were later sanctioned on separate counts following the match. The details of the sanctions have not been made public.
Suryavanshi retained for Afghanistan A clash
Despite Manjrekar’s suggestion that disciplinary action would have been appropriate, India A retained Suryavanshi in the playing XI for their next fixture against Afghanistan A.
The 15-year-old made 38 from 28 deliveries, striking four fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 135.7. India A went on to register a 101-run victory and secure qualification for the final of the Tri-Nation A Series.
The innings continued a pattern that has defined Suryavanshi’s campaign so far. While he has regularly provided quick starts at the top of the order, he remains in search of his first half-century of the tournament, having recorded scores of 14, 44, 21 and 38.
Adjustment period after IPL success
The tri-series has provided a different challenge for the young opener following his breakthrough IPL 2026 season. Having earned widespread attention for his aggressive batting during the tournament, Suryavanshi is now adapting to the demands of 50-over cricket at representative level.
His performances have shown glimpses of the attacking approach that brought him success in the IPL, but the competition has also highlighted the challenge of converting starts into substantial innings against stronger opposition.
Focus shifts to the final
India A’s victory over Afghanistan A ensured progression to the final of the Tri-Nation A Series, providing Suryavanshi with another opportunity to build on his encouraging starts.
With the spotlight remaining firmly on one of Indian cricket’s most highly regarded young prospects, attention will now turn to whether he can translate his positive beginnings into a major contribution in the closing stages of the tournament.
