Asia Cup Rising Stars: India A’s heartbreaking exit from the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 has sparked intense debate after a dramatic Super Over defeat to Bangladesh A in Doha.
But the biggest question haunting fans, experts, and former cricketers is simple:
Why did Vaibhav Suryavanshi—India’s most in-form batter of the tournament—not walk out to bat in the Super Over?
What unfolded on Saturday night has already become one of the most confusing and highly criticised decisions in recent India A history.
A Match Filled With Drama, Errors & Chaos
India and Bangladesh were locked in a high-scoring thriller, ending at 194–194. But the game should have been settled in regulation overs.
India needed 4 runs off the final ball. Harsh Dubey struck a firm shot to long-on. The throw was wide, and Bangladesh wicketkeeper Akbar Ali unbelievably attempted an underarm flick instead of collecting the ball. He missed.
India scampered back for the third run to tie the match — not without surviving two major scares earlier in the over:
- Ashutosh Sharma smashed a six, giving India renewed hope.
- Moments later, a regulation chance at long-off was dropped, gifting India four more runs.
- But Rakibul Hasan brought Bangladesh back by dismissing Ashutosh immediately after.
India crawled into the Super Over — more because of Bangladesh’s fielding errors than their own intent.
Super Over Shock: Why Was Suryavanshi Missing?
When India A lined up for the Super Over, fans expected the explosive Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been India’s most consistent and destructive batter in the tournament so far.
Instead, the team sent:
- Jitesh Sharma (captain)
- Ramandeep Singh
The move stunned everyone.
What happened next?
- On the very first ball, Jitesh attempted a risky reverse lap and was bowled.
- Ashutosh walked in next… and perished instantly, offering a simple catch.
- India were bowled out for ZERO runs in 2 legal deliveries — a rare, almost unbelievable outcome in Super Over history.
All while Suryavanshi stood watching from the dugout.
This strategic call has drawn massive backlash on social media, with many questioning the leadership group and the tactical judgement of Jitesh Sharma.
Why Was Suryavanshi Ignored?
Officially, no explanation has been given by the team management.
But possible reasons being discussed by analysts include:
✔ Tactical Misread
Management may have believed right-hand matchups favored Jitesh and Ramandeep — a decision that backfired instantly.
✔ Nervousness or Injury?
Some speculated he might have had a niggle, but sources report he was fully fit.
✔ Overthinking
India may simply have overcomplicated a straightforward call by leaning on seniority instead of form.
Regardless of the reason, the move has been labelled “a blunder” by several former players online.
Bangladesh Seals the Final Spot—But Not Without Drama
Chasing 1 run in the Super Over is typically a formality.
But even Bangladesh made it messy.
- Yasir Ali went for a glory shot and was caught at long-on on the first ball.
- India had a sudden lifeline.
- But hope lasted only a moment — Suyash Sharma bowled a wide, and Bangladesh advanced to the final on November 23.
India A Knocked Out
With this defeat, India A are eliminated from the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025.
Bangladesh A will face the winner of Pakistan A vs Sri Lanka A in the final.
But long after the tournament ends, this match will be remembered for one burning question:
Why was Vaibhav Suryavanshi—the most reliable batter—not sent in to bat during the Super Over?
A decision that may haunt India A for a long time.
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