Tilak’s sledging, Sooryavanshi’s 44, and then laughter
South Zone captain Tilak Varma was heard addressing East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Duleep Trophy final. The teenage batter answered with 44 off 37 before falling to Chama V Milind.
A brief exchange between the wickets became the match’s most replayed moment.
South Zone captain Tilak Varma had a few words for East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. The stump microphone caught Varma saying, “Kya yaar ye vice-captain” — or, in another transcription, “Kya re vice-captain?” Cricket’s great contribution to conflict resolution remains putting a microphone near it.
Sooryavanshi had attacked South Zone’s bowling, including a sequence of “4, 6, 4” against Mohammed Siraj, according to a BCCI Domestic post quoted by India Today. He made 44 from 37 balls before Chama V Milind dismissed him, caught in the deep while attempting a pull. The available footage and reporting do not establish that Varma’s words caused the dismissal.
The exchange has been described as sledging, but that remains an interpretation. India Today reported that the two were later laughing and chatting, while NDTV said the moment did not appear serious. The Duleep Trophy final is being played at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium from September 6 to 10. The match was still in progress at the time of reporting.