Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly defended teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following criticism that emerged following the youngster’s altercation with Sri Lankan players during the tri-series final in Dambulla.The incident happened after India’s defeat in the Super Over and quickly became a major talking point among fans and pundits. However, Ashwin believes the reaction has been excessive and has warned against turning criticism into personal attacks on a young cricketer who is still open to the demands of the international game.Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin questioned why so many people were quick to target Sooryavanshi in a single moment.“All we can do is talk with hate. And what happens then? If the person we hate eventually reads these things, it might affect us a little. But what do we get by talking like that? That’s why I’m saying this. How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.”Ashwin also hit back against those who demand greater maturity from the teenager, reminding critics that age and experience should be considered before passing judgement.“Tell me, how can you hate someone? And everyone says, “This kid should have shown maturity. He had spoken with more maturity.” Have we forgotten that we too were children once? Have we forgotten that there are children like that 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 the criticism? If today you have the show and I say:” Vimal bhai, I did not like the host today. Maybe we can pay attention here. Perhaps this question could be asked differently. Maybe this point could be treated differently.” This is criticism. Criticism means finding a way for someone to move forward and improve. But what is hate? Hate is when someone has achieved something, and we continue to attack with words. We keep trying to pull them down. It won’t happen,” Ashwin said.With Sooryavanshi potentially set to make his India debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, Ashwin urged supporters and critics to allow the youngster to develop without the burden of constant scrutiny.“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a cricketer. He performs for us. He is an entertainer with immense skill. Forget his family, his assets, his fans and the team management for a moment. As a sports lover, I just want him to enjoy cricket and play without pressure. After playing cricket for so many years, I realized that playing freely, without baggage, is one of the most difficult things to do. As long as we can give him that freedom, let him have fun. Whether it succeeds or fails does not matter. The way you play is a show. Let the kid have fun,” Ashwin said.Ashwin’s support comes after a remarkable rise for Sooryavanshi. Despite suggestions that the opposition bowlers had worked on their game ahead of IPL 2026, the left-hander responded in a stunning manner. He amassed 776 runs to claim the Orange Cap, becoming the youngest player in the tournament’s history to finish as the top run scorer. In doing so, he surpassed established stars Virat KohliShubman Gill and KL Rahul.Their performances left the national selectors with little room for debate. The president Ajit Agarkar later acknowledged that Sooryavanshi’s exploits effectively forced the selection committee to include him in India’s T20I squads for the Ireland and England series.The youngster also carried his form into the India A set-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.
