Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly defended teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following criticism that emerged following the youngster’s altercation with the Sri Lankan players during the tri-series final in Dambulla.The incident happened after India’s Super Over defeat and quickly became a major talking point among fans and pundits alike. However, Ashwin feels that the reaction has been exaggerated and warns that criticism should not turn into personal attacks on a young cricketer who is still learning the demands of the international game.Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin wondered why so many people were quick to target Sooryavanshi at one point.“All we can do is talk with hate. And then what happens? If the person we hate ends up reading these things, it might affect them a little. But what do we achieve by talking like that? That’s why I’m saying this. How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?”Ashwin also hit back at those calling for 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’s saying, ‘This kid should have matured. He should have spoken more maturely.’ Have we forgotten that we were once children too? Have we forgotten that such children also exist in our families? “This is a very dangerous trend,” he added.The former off-spinner went on to explain the difference between constructive criticism and hate, arguing that the two are often confused in modern sports discussions.“What is criticism? If you are hosting a show today and I say, ‘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 question could have been handled differently.’ That’s criticism. Criticizing means finding a way for someone to move forward and progress. But what is hatred? Hate is when someone has achieved something, and we attack him with words. We keep trying to pull them back. “That doesn’t happen,” Ashwin said.With Sooryavanshi potentially set to make his India debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, Ashwin urged fans and critics 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 for a moment his family, his well-wishers, his fans and the team management. 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 realized that playing, without burden, is one of the most difficult things. As long as we can give him that freedom, let him enjoy it. Whether it succeeds or fails is not important. The way he plays is a spectacle. “Let the kid enjoy,” Ashwin said.The support from Ashwin comes after a remarkable rise for Sooryavanshi. Despite suggestions that the opposition bowlers had worked out his game ahead of IPL 2026, the left-hander responded in stunning fashion. He amassed 776 runs to win the Orange Cap, becoming the youngest player in the tournament’s history to finish as the leading run-scorer. In doing so, he surpassed established stars Virat KohliShubman Gill and KL Rahul.His games left no room for discussion for the national team selector. President Ajit Agarkar he later admitted that Sooryavanshi’s feat actually forced the selection committee to include him in India’s T20I squads for Ireland and England.The youngster also carried his form into the India A line-up, smashing a match-winning 94 against Sri Lanka A in the tri-series final, further strengthening his case ahead of what could be a landmark international debut.
