India A captain Jitesh Sharma explains why Vaibhav Suryavanshi did not bat in Super Over after loss to Bangladesh

The India A team lost in the semi-final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament to Bangladesh A on Friday after an under-par performance in the Super Over. But there was also plenty of talk after the game ended about why India did not send their most prolific batter, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, to bat in the Super Over. What made the decision stand out even more was the fact that the batters that India did opt to send out to play in the Super Over lasted just two balls, and could not score any runs. Thus Bangladesh only needed to score one run to win the semi-final in the Super Over.

India A captain Jitesh Sharma, at the post-match presentation ceremony did explain what their thinking was in withholding Suryavanshi. But before we get to that explanation from the India A captain, here’s what happened in the Super Over after the decision was made: Bangladesh’s Ripon Mondol wreaked havoc in the Super Over with Jitesh Sharma getting out on the first ball while attempting an audacious ramp shot and then Ashutosh Sharma getting dismissed while trying to hit the ball over the fielder but giving an easy catch at extra-cover to Zawad Abrar. Coming to bat chasing just one run for victory, Bangladesh too lost the first wicket of Yasir Ali on the first ball. This opened up the prospect of another Super Over if the second batter too was dismissed for a duck. But then, India’s Suyash Sharma bowled a wide ball and the keeper Jitesh had a slim chance to stump the batter. But when Jitesh missed the chance, it was declared a wide giving Bangladesh victory.

Earlier, in the regular game both sides had notched up identical scores of 194/6 in their 20-over innings to be tied and send the game into a Super Over. Suryavanshi had scored a 15-ball 38 in the second innings.

Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 Semi-Finals: Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi in action. (FILE photo)

So why was Suryavanshi not sent to bat in the Super Over?

“They are masters of powerplay (Vaibhav and Priyansh Arya, who was also not given the chance to bat in the Super Over). But in the death overs Ashu (Ashutosh Sharma), Raman (Ramandeep Singh) and me are players who can hit at will. So it was team decision and my decision,” India A captain Jitesh Sharma said while explaining the lineup for the Super Over.

Jitesh Sharma also shouldered the blame for the defeat.

“I will take all responsibility, as a senior I should finish the game. It’s about the learning, not the losing. You never know, these guys may win World Cup for India some day. In terms of talent they’re touching the sky. It’s all about learning and experience. My wicket was the turning point,” he added.