'Vaibhav Suryavanshi master of powerplay, but...': Jitesh Sharma on India A bizarre Super Over call that backfired

Vaibhav Suryavanshi

India A-led by Jitesh Sharma endured a humiliating loss against Bangladesh A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 semi-final, which was decided via Super Over. Following the loss skipper Jitesh accepted full responsibility for not sending explosive opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat in the Super Over. Jitesh, himself decided to bat in the Super Over, with Ramandeep Singh joining at the other end. Ashutosh Sharma was the next batter in as India lost both Jitesh and the former in the first two balls, leaving Bangladesh with a one-run target in the Super Over.

Both fans and experts were left stunned with India's decision to not send the 14-year-old — who had displayed breathtaking form throughout the course of the tournament.

Jitesh said that it was a combined decision by him and the management as they felt Suryavanshi was better suited to bat in the powerplay than the Super Over.

"I think they (Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya) are the masters of powerplay, but in the death, me, Ashu and Raman are the ones who can hit the big shots at will. So it was a team decision and my decision to go with whatever the high percentage is there," Jitesh said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

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Jitesh, who walked in at No. 4, fell for 33 off 23 at a pivotal moment during the 195 chase. He admitted his wicket shifted the momentum, stating he should have seen the team through.

"I take full responsibility (for the loss). As a senior, I should have finished the match. It's a learning curve for all of us. We have an incredibly talented group of players. We were ahead of the game always but the young players got a bit under pressure in the last few overs of the chase. It can happen. They will get better with experience," he said.

Earlier, Bangladesh batting first recovered from 130 for six with a scorching late burst to register a challenging 194 for six. The penultimate over bowled by part-timer Naman Dhir resulted in 28 runs. SM Meherob hammered 48 off only 18 balls, which featured six maximums and a four. He along with Akbar Ali smashed another 20 runs in the last over.

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Suryavanshi's brilliant 38 (15 balls) and Priyansh Arya's 44 (23 balls) helped India A get off to a fast start, surpassing 50 in 3.1 overs. The pair launched a barrage of sixes against Bangladesh's new-ball bowlers before losing their wickets.

India were kept on course by Jitesh and Nehal Wadhera (32*). The equation in the final over was 16 off six deliveries. India stole a third run and tied the score at 194 thanks to a final-ball scramble, which saw wicketkeeper Akbar Ali miss the simplest of runouts.