Doha, Qatar - The India A cricket team's recent loss to Bangladesh A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars semi-final has ignited a storm of controversy, with the spotlight firmly fixed on the decision to exclude Vaibhav Suryavanshi from batting in the Super Over. The match, held on November 21, 2025, ended in a tie after both teams scored 194 in their respective innings, leading to a Super Over to determine the victor.
Bangladesh A batted first and India A's Suyash Sharma took a wicket on the first ball of the Super Over. However, Suyash bowled a wide on the next delivery, handing the victory to Bangladesh A.
India A's Super Over performance was nothing short of disastrous. Jitesh Sharma, the captain, was bowled out on the first ball, attempting a reverse lap shot. Ashutosh Sharma followed, caught at extra cover after mistiming a lofted shot. The result: zero runs on the board, and a ticket to the final for Bangladesh A.
The decision to send in Jitesh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh ahead of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had demonstrated his power-hitting capabilities earlier in the innings, has been met with widespread criticism. Suryavanshi had scored a rapid 38 runs off just 15 balls during the main chase, showcasing his potential to deliver under pressure.
Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh was among the first to voice his disapproval, questioning the logic behind keeping Suryavanshi in the dugout during the Super Over. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments questioning the team management's strategy, with many fans and analysts labeling it a "brainfade moment".
Jitesh Sharma has since taken full responsibility for the defeat, explaining the rationale behind the decision. He stated that the team management believed that the other players were better suited for the pressure situation of the Super Over, while acknowledging Suryavanshi's prowess in powerplay situations. "They are masters of powerplay (Vaibhav and Priyansh Arya, who was also not given the chance to bat in the Super Over)," Sharma said.
Despite the captain's explanation, the criticism has not subsided. Many continue to argue that Suryavanshi's recent form and aggressive batting style made him the ideal choice for the Super Over. The controversy has also brought to light the pressure that young players face in high-stakes matches and the importance of sound decision-making by team management.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about team selection strategies and the role of experience versus potential in critical match situations. While some defend the captain's right to make decisions based on his assessment of the players' capabilities, others argue that Suryavanshi's exclusion was a tactical blunder that cost India A a place in the final.
