The fallout was swift and pointed to India A’s leadership following their semi-final defeat by Bangladesh A at the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 in Doha. Much of the criticism was directed at head coach Sunil Joshi for his role in a surprising tactical decision: the omission of star batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi from the batting line-up in the Super Over.
Suryavanshi, just 14, was the best player of the tournament. In India A’s group stage win over UAE, he smashed a whopping 144 runs off 42 balls, including 15 sixes, establishing himself as the tournament’s top scorer and biggest sixer.
With such form in hand, many expected him to depart in the Indian Super Over when the match against Bangladesh A ended in a draw at 194-6 after the regulation 20 overs. The scoreboard read a draw and the match went to a Super Over.
However, the Indian Super Over saw neither Suryavanshi nor some others in dough form take the crease. Instead, captain Jitesh Sharma, Ramandeep Singh and Ashutosh Sharma were the chosen trio. Both Jitesh and Ashutosh were looking for golden ducks – Jitesh bowled, then Ashutosh caught at cover – leaving India A for nil in the Super Over.
India started the Super Over promisingly as Suyansh struck on the very first ball and removed Yasir Ali Chowdhury with a catch to Ramandeep at long-on, briefly hinting at redemption after the mistake of not sending Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat. But the hope was immediately dashed. With Akbar Ali on strike, Suyansh delivered another wide ball, gifting Bangladesh the single they needed and handing them a scoreless win with the bat.
Super Over is used to break the tie in limited overs cricket matches. Each team gets one more over six legal deliveries to score as many runs as possible. The team batting second in the main match usually bats first in the Super Over. Both teams nominate three batsmen and one bowler; an innings ends if two wickets fall, even if balls remain. The team with the higher score in the Super Over wins the match.
THE COMMENTATOR LOSES THE ADVANTAGE
Former Indian spinner Maninder Singh failed in the commentary box. “What is he writing now?” he asked as the cameras panned to Joshi taking notes.
“Why didn’t they send Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat in the Super Over?”
His remarks encapsulated the frustration felt by observers: as the tournament’s most prolific batsman sat unused in a crunch situation.
Many have pointed out that Suryavanshi’s aggressive style of batting the power, early in the innings, has made him a prime candidate for the Super Over, especially when the fielder is likely to be under pressure. The decision therefore seemed inexplicable.
Captain Jitesh Sharma later took full responsibility for picking the Super Over and said, “It was my decision that I take full responsibility.
He clarified that the management believed that he, Ashutosh and Ramandeep were better suited to deliver the big blows in the lethal operations, but admitted in retrospect that the challenge “was a learning curve” for all involved.
Suryavanshi’s growing reputation is unlikely to be dampened by this episode. With his earlier record-breaking performance against the UAE, he virtually signed himself into the main role of the tournament.
But for the coaching staff — including Sunil Joshi — the scrutiny is intense. Deciding not to field your most explosive bat in a Super Over can be considered one of the most baffling tactical errors at this level.
Bangladesh A will take on Pakistan A in the final of the tournament on Sunday in Qatar.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
November 22, 2025
