Doha, Qatar – India A's exit from the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 in a Super Over loss to Bangladesh A has sparked considerable debate, especially surrounding the decision to not send Vaibhav Suryavanshi in for the Super Over. The semi-final clash concluded with both teams tied at 194, leading to the Super Over where India A faltered, scoring zero runs and ultimately losing the match.
The decision to hold back Suryavanshi, who had earlier contributed a quickfire 38 off 15 balls, including four sixes, has been met with criticism from fans and experts alike. Former India spinner Maninder Singh questioned the team management’s strategy, remarking on commentary, "Why didn't they send Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat in the Super Over?". Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions questioning the logic behind sidelining the young batting sensation.
Captain Jitesh Sharma explained the rationale behind the decision in the post-match presentation. He stated that the team trusted the experience of Ashutosh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh 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," Jitesh said. He took responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging that as a senior player, he should have guided the team to victory. Jitesh added, "Good game of cricket and a valuable learning experience for us. I will take full responsibility— as a senior, I should have finished the game".
However, this explanation has done little to quell the criticism. Many argue that Suryavanshi's form in the tournament, where he was the leading run-scorer with 239 runs, including 22 sixes, warranted his inclusion in the Super Over. His ability to strike the ball powerfully made him a strong candidate to score crucial runs in theSuper Over.
The Super Over saw Jitesh Sharma dismissed on the first ball, attempting a reverse lap, followed by Ashutosh Sharma who was caught out. Ripon Mondal of Bangladesh A took both wickets, leaving India A with no score. In response, Bangladesh A chased down the single run required, securing their place in the final.
Adding to the narrative, it is worth noting that prior to the tournament, Suryavanshi had already established himself as a player to watch. At just 14 years old, he received his first call-up to the India A team and had previously broken records in youth cricket, including smashing the fourth-fastest Youth Test century.
While Jitesh Sharma emphasized the importance of learning and gaining experience for the young players, the decision to exclude Suryavanshi from the Super Over remains a significant point of contention. The loss serves as a valuable lesson for the team, highlighting the complexities of decision-making in high-pressure situations.
