Captain Explains Surprise Call to Leave Vaibhav Suryavanshi Out of Super Over

India A fell short of a place in the Rising Stars Asia Cup final after a disastrous Super Over against Bangladesh A in Doha on Friday, failing to score a single run in the tie-breaker.

The decision to leave out 14-year-old big-hitter Vaibhav Suryavanshi proved costly as Jitesh Sharma’s team crashed out at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium. The semifinal had gone down to the wire, with both sides finishing on 194 after 40 overs. Bangladesh scored 61 runs in the last three overs, while India’s middle and lower order couldn’t finish the chase despite a solid start.

Super Over Collapse

In the Super Over, captain Jitesh Sharma walked out with Ramandeep Singh, leaving Suryavanshi — India’s best striker of the ball in the tournament — on the sidelines. Bangladesh pacer Ripon Mondol dismissed Jitesh first ball and removed Ashutosh Sharma next delivery, ending India’s innings at 0 for 2.

Bangladesh needed just one to win. Although Suyash Sharma removed Yasir Ali off the first ball, he bowled a wide next, sending Bangladesh A into the final.

Captain Explains the Decision

Suryavanshi had earlier smashed 38 off 15 balls, including four sixes, and finished the tournament as India’s most dominant batter with 239 runs at a strike rate of 243.88. But he was not picked to bat in the Super Over.

Explaining the choice, Jitesh said the plan was to use Ramandeep Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, who the team considered stronger death-overs hitters.

“In our team, Vaibhav and Priyansh are suited to the powerplay, while Ashu and Raman are better at the death. So the Super Over lineup was a team decision, and I made the final call,” Jitesh said.

‘Should Have Finished the Game’

Jitesh, who made 33 off 23, also said the match should never have reached a Super Over. “As a senior, I should have finished the game. This was a great learning experience, and these young players will only get better,” he said.

India A had enjoyed a strong group stage, beating the UAE by 148 runs and defeating Oman by six wickets. But their campaign ended in the semifinal, while Bangladesh A moved on to face Pakistan A in Sunday’s final.