Young Cricketer Learns Valuable Lesson from Virat Kohli
Two weeks ago in Ahmedabad, a memorable moment unfolded when cricketer Virat Kohli spoke to 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Kohli placed his arm around Sooryavanshi’s shoulder and shared a piece of advice that the young player would likely carry with him throughout his career. “Don’t pay attention to what others say or how they say it,” Kohli advised. For Sooryavanshi, the encounter felt surreal, as if he was speaking with a big brother. He tucked that advice away, treating it like a treasure.
However, during a recent match in Dambulla, he seemed to have forgotten those wise words.
In a closely contested game against Sri Lanka A, which saw India A lose in a tense Super Over, emotions ran high. After the match, as Sooryavanshi was walking away, a Sri Lankan player, Vishen Halambage, began to clap and say something. The young cricketer, fresh from facing Jasprit Bumrah in front of a huge crowd, felt provoked and pushed Halambage, before being stopped by Niroshan Dickwella, the Sri Lanka A captain.
This brief incident is likely to be talked about for days.
What Happened in Dambulla
The match itself was full of drama. India A and Sri Lanka A ended up with tied scores of 265, leading to a controversial Super Over that took place after both teams had already started to leave the field. Tensions heightened as Tilak Varma confronted the umpires before the Super Over began. The match concluded with a yorker from Mathulan, ending India A’s hopes.
Sooryavanshi scored five runs off two balls in the Super Over, but as the crowd cheered for Sri Lanka, he and his teammate Suryansh Shedge walked off frustrated. Halambage’s comments led to a brief confrontation, ending the intense match on an ugly note.
A Repeat Performance
This isn’t the first time Sooryavanshi has faced such a situation. In December 2025, during the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, he had a similar encounter when he was dismissed after a powerful innings. Instead of walking off quietly, he engaged with the opposing player, generating buzz in the cricketing community.
These two incidents, while separated by months, don’t define him as a person. Off the field, Sooryavanshi has consistently shown grace and respect, even touching cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar’s feet during the IPL. The young player who pushed Halambage is the same one who bows respectfully to legends, still figuring out how to navigate different moments in his sporting life.
Should We Criticize Him?
It’s essential to remember that Kohli himself wasn’t always the calm figure he is today. In his early days, he often found himself in the thick of controversies and was known for his fiery demeanor. Over the years, he learned to channel his intense energy into his performance rather than letting it manifest during games.
Similarly, many athletes, like Roger Federer, have gone through phases of emotional outbursts before finding their focus. Federer, known for his elegance on the court, had a reputation for losing his cool as a younger player. He learned to direct that energy positively.
Sooryavanshi might not be that angry player, but he is undoubtedly fierce and competitive. While he has let provocation get the better of him on two occasions, it’s a learning curve that many athletes experience.
The Bigger Picture
At just 15 years old, while his peers are worried about exams, Sooryavanshi is facing some of the world’s best bowlers in cricket stadiums filled with fans. He has already achieved remarkable milestones, including the fastest IPL century for an Indian and a stunning strike rate.
The moments in Dubai and Dambulla shouldn’t be a cause for concern; they merely show that he’s passionate and competitive. The goal now is not to cool his fervor but to learn how to control it.
With the best advice from Kohli still in mind, Sooryavanshi is on a promising path. He already has the talent and drive; now, it’s all about harnessing that energy. The runs will keep coming, and with it, he’ll continue to grow as a player.
