Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out strongly in support of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, expressing concern over the criticism directed at the 15-year-old following his on-field altercation with a Sri Lanka A player during the recent tri-series in Sri Lanka.  Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin questioned the growing tendency among fans to target young cricketers on social media, warning that constant negativity can have a lasting impact on a player’s mindset and confidence.

The veteran off-spinner stressed that while constructive criticism is a part of professional sport, personal attacks against a teenager are both unnecessary and harmful.

“All we can do is talk with hate. And what happens then? If the person we are hating eventually reads those things, it might affect them a little,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “But what do we achieve by talking like that? That’s why I am saying this. How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?” he added.

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Ashwin also dismissed suggestions that Sooryavanshi should have shown greater maturity during the incident, reminding fans that the youngster is still at the beginning of his cricketing journey and learning with every game.

“Tell me, how can anyone hate him? And everyone is saying, ‘This kid should have shown maturity.’ He should have spoken with more maturity,” Ravichandran Ashwin remarked. “Have we forgotten that we too were children once? Have we forgotten that there are children like that in our own families? This is a very dangerous trend,” he added.

The controversy stemmed from Sooryavanshi’s exchange with Sri Lanka A batter Vishen Halambage during the tri-series. Reports later suggested that Halambage had been sledging the Indian youngster since the teams first met on June 9 and continued doing so in subsequent matches.

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Sri Lanka Cricket eventually reprimanded Halambage for his conduct, while Sooryavanshi chose to let his bat do the talking. In the final of the tri-nation one-day tournament, the teenage opener produced a breathtaking knock of 94 runs from just 29 balls, helping India A post a massive total and secure the title.

The innings once again highlighted why Sooryavanshi is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket, with an India debut now appearing closer than ever.