Sri Lankan Players Need Better Conduct Education, Says Bowling Coach Sairaj Bahutule

India U-19 bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has called for better education and guidance for young Sri Lankan cricketers following an on-field altercation involving Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during a youth international fixture.

The incident occurred during the ongoing India U-19 tour of Sri Lanka, where tensions flared between players from both sides. While the match remained competitive throughout, a heated exchange involving Sooryavanshi drew attention and sparked discussions about player behaviour and sportsmanship at the junior level.

Reacting to the episode, Bahutule stressed the importance of educating young cricketers on how to conduct themselves on the field. He noted that aggressive competition is part of the game, but players must understand the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and maintain respect for opponents.

The former India spinner said that age-group cricket is a crucial stage in a player’s development, not only in terms of skills but also character. According to him, coaches and cricket boards have a responsibility to instil discipline, professionalism and respect among young athletes as they prepare for higher levels of the sport.

Bahutule, however, downplayed the seriousness of the confrontation, describing such incidents as occasional by-products of intense competition. He emphasised that emotions can run high during closely fought matches but added that players should learn to channel their passion in a positive manner.

The India U-19 setup has consistently focused on nurturing talent while reinforcing values of sportsmanship and fair play. Coaches believe that developing the right attitude is just as important as improving technical and tactical abilities.

The incident has once again highlighted the challenges of managing emotions in youth cricket, where players are often eager to make an impression and secure future opportunities. Officials from both teams are expected to ensure that the focus remains on cricket as the tour progresses.

Despite the controversy, the series continues to provide valuable exposure for emerging players from both nations, many of whom are viewed as future stars of international cricket.