Published: Nov 22, 2025, 01:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 22, 2025, 01:32 PM (IST)
During Friday’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 semifinal against Bangladesh A, India captain Jitesh Sharma explained why Vaibhav Suryavanshi was not sent in for the Super Over. Jitesh himself was dismissed for a first-ball duck after walking out to bat alongside Ramandeep Singh.
India failed to score a single run in the Super Over. Ashutosh Sharma came in next but also lasted only one delivery. In response, Bangladesh chased down the target despite losing one wicket, sealing their spot in the summit clash. The decision not to send the in-form 14-year-old Suryavanshi, who has enjoyed a remarkable run throughout the tournament, drew heavy criticism after India’s defeat.
Jitesh defended the call, saying Vaibhav – who scored 38 off 15 balls, is more effective in powerplay, while Ashutosh and Ramandeep were preferred for their ability finish games in the death overs.
“In the team, Vaibhav and Priyansh are masters of the powerplay, while in the death overs, Ashu and Raman can hit at will. So the Super Over lineup was a team decision, and I made the final call,†Jitesh said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
India A bowlers faltered in the business end as Bangladesh piled a handy 194 for six in 20 overs, and the Jitesh Sharma-led side too ended up at the same score, forcing a Super Over.
However, India inexplicably decided to field Jitesh, Ashutosh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh in the Super Over when they had Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya in the dugout.
The move backfired spectacularly as both Jitesh and Ashutosh were ousted by pacer Ripon Mondol for naught in the Super Over.
Despite losing Yasir Ali in the very first ball, Bangladesh notched up the required one run through a wide bowled by leg-spinner Suyash Sharma to enter the title round.
Bangladesh A will face Pakistan Shaheens, who beat Sri Lanka A by five runs in the second semifinal, in the final on Sunday.
( With PTI Inputs )
