Jitesh Sharma reveals why Vaibhav Suryavanshi didn’t bat in the super over

India A’s leadership is under heavy scrutiny after their semi-final loss to Bangladesh A in Doha. Fans are targeting head coach Sunil Joshi, whose decision to leave out star batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the Super Over shocked many.

The 14-year-old sensation was in sensational form, blasting 144 off 42 balls against the UAE with 15 sixes, finishing as the top run-scorer and leading six-hitter in the competition.

Given his outstanding form, most assumed he would be the one to step out for India in the Super Over after their match with Bangladesh A finished level at 194/6 at the end of 20 overs. With the scores tied, the contest headed into a Super Over to decide the winner.

But when the Super Over began, India A surprised everyone by sending neither Suryavanshi nor any of the other in-form batters. Instead, the responsibility fell to Jitesh Sharma, Ramandeep Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. The move backfired immediately as Jitesh was dismissed on the first ball and Ashutosh was caught at cover on the next delivery, leaving India A all out for 0 in the Super Over.

India’s Super Over began on a strong note as Suyansh took a wicket on his very first ball, with Yasir Ali Chowdhury caught by Ramandeep at long-on. For a brief moment, it looked like India might recover from the earlier decision not to send Vaibhav Suryavanshi. However, the momentum vanished immediately. On the next delivery, Suyansh bowled a wide, handing Bangladesh the single they needed to win.

In the commentary box, former India spinner Maninder Singh was critical of the move. When the cameras showed Joshi writing something down, he remarked, “What is he even writing now?”

“Why did they choose not to send Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the Super Over?”

His comments summed up the frustration shared by many, as the tournament’s standout batter sat on the sidelines during the most crucial moment.

Fans and analysts also highlighted that Suryavanshi’s attacking approach in the power-play made him an ideal choice for a Super Over, particularly with the opposition under pressure.

Captain Jitesh Sharma later acknowledged that the Super Over selection was entirely his call, stating, “The decision was mine, and I accept full responsibility for it.”

He explained that the team management felt he, Ashutosh and Ramandeep were better equipped to clear the ropes in the final stages. However, he conceded that, looking back, the decision served as “a learning experience” for the entire group.

For Suryavanshi, this incident is unlikely to slow his rising reputation. His stunning, record-setting knock against the UAE has already secured him a place among the tournament’s standout performers.

However, the pressure on the coaching staff, including Sunil Joshi, remains high. Bangladesh A are now set to take on Pakistan A in Sunday’s final in Qatar.