India-A faces tough task against upbeat Afghanistan-A

The India-A team took a break from cricket on Tuesday, staying at the team hotel in the quiet surroundings of Sigiriya after Monday’s dramatic and controversial Super Over defeat to Sri Lanka-A.

With the road to the final now steeper, India-A must not only beat Afghanistan-A on Wednesday but also hope other results go its way.

While Afghanistan-A had an extended training session at the Rangiri International Stadium, India-A stayed away from the ground. Sources indicated that the team management used the day to review the defeat, discussing mistakes and the need to remain composed in tense situations.

Amid speculation that the BCCI could warn Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his involvement in a heated exchange with Sri Lankan players, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia denied any such move.

“We will let our players concentrate on the tournament and they should not be distracted by any collateral issues,” Saikia told The Hindu.

Neither the players nor the team management were pleased with how the match ended, particularly after the umpires reversed their decision and went ahead with the Super Over despite fading light. However, no complaint was made to the match referee.

By the time Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge walked out to chase 17, visibility had become a serious concern. It was difficult to pick up the ball and the players appeared to be struggling.

Tempers eventually spilled over, with Sooryavanshi involved in a heated exchange with Vishen Halambage and a few Sri Lankan players, bringing an ugly end to an otherwise gripping contest.

Sources claimed that a few Sri Lankan players had been sledging Sooryavanshi and team-mates since the start of the tournament, often taunting them about IPL performances.

With little time to dwell on the controversy, the Indian team management has turned its attention to the must-win clash against Afghanistan-A. The focus has been on improving discipline and tightening up a bowling attack that has struggled for consistency.

In a bid to bolster the pace department, Ashok Sharma, who impressed for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, joined the squad as a replacement for Yudhvir Singh.

(Match starts at 10 a.m.)