India A enjoyed a memorable outing in the recently concluded one-day tri-nation series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. Led by Tilak Varma, the side showcased impressive consistency throughout the tournament and capped off their campaign with a commanding victory over Sri Lanka A in the final.
The tournament also provided a platform for several young players to make a strong impression. While some performances earned widespread praise, a few players found themselves under scrutiny from sections of fans. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has now weighed in on the discussions surrounding two of India’s most talked-about youngsters.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Tilak Varma amid strike-rate criticism
India A produced a staggering total of 377/9 in the final against Sri Lanka A, thanks to a sensational innings from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 94 off just 29 deliveries. While the teenage batter’s explosive innings dominated headlines, some fans questioned Tilak’s scoring rate after the captain made 67 from 90 balls. Ashwin, however, felt the criticism was misplaced. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, the veteran spinner explained that Tilak played a crucial supporting role while Suryavanshi attacked from the other end.
“I also noticed a few comments on Tilak Varma’s strike rate. He batted with a slightly slow strike rate. I am thinking in my head, how does this hatred come? He does perform, right? Vaibhav Suryavanshi batted fast, and Tilak Varma complemented him and got a big score,” Ashwin said.
Tilak enjoyed an outstanding tournament with the bat, finishing as India A’s highest run-scorer. The left-hander accumulated 275 runs in five innings and registered four half-centuries while leading the side to the title. His performances have already earned rewards at the international level, with the youngster recently being named vice-captain of India’s T20I side for the upcoming tour of Ireland.
Ashwin comes to Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s defence after tri-series controversy
Ashwin also addressed the criticism directed at Suryavanshi following an on-field altercation during India A’s Super Over defeat to Sri Lanka A earlier in the tournament. The 15-year-old prodigy was involved in a heated exchange with Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage before the situation briefly escalated. The incident sparked debate on social media, with some fans questioning the youngster’s behaviour. However, Ashwin urged people to remember Suryavanshi’s age and avoid placing unrealistic expectations on a teenager still learning the ropes of professional cricket.
“Everyone is saying that this kid should have shown a lot of maturity. Do we forget that we too were children once upon a time? Do we forget that we have such kids in our families as well?” Ashwin remarked.
Suryavanshi was one of the standout performers of the tournament and continued the rich vein of form that made him one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026. His fearless batting approach played a significant role in India A’s title-winning campaign. The young opener’s rise has been rapid, and selectors have already rewarded him with his maiden senior India call-up. Suryavanshi has been included in India’s upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, while he is also set to represent the country at the 2026 Asian Games.
