Jitesh Explains Why Suryavanshi Wasn’t Sent For Super Over: ‘He’s A Powerplay Master But..’

It was a disappointing end to the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament for India ‘A’ as the team crashed out in the semi-final following losing to Bangladesh ‘A’ in Doha in a super over.

A comedy of errors led to the contest going to the super over, and it was arguably the most anti-climactic super over in T20 history, as after India ‘A’ lost two wickets in the first two balls to get bowled out for 0, Bangladesh ‘A’ ended up winning via a wide bowled by Suyash Sharma after losing a wicket first ball.

What puzzled many after the defeat was that India’s best batter both on the day and in the tournament, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, wasn’t sent for the super over, with skipper Jitesh Sharma walking out alongside Ramandeep Singh, with Ashutosh Sharma being the third batter. The fact that India lost two in two and got bowled out for 0 made many question the wisdom of holding back Suryavanshi. 

In the aftermath of the defeat, the skipper Jitesh explained the reasoning behind the same.

“I think Vaibhav and Priyansh Arya are masters of the powerplay, but in the death, me, Ashu, and Raman are the ones who can hit the big shots,” Jites said, reported Times of India.

Jitesh also rued not being able to finish the match in normal time. Despite flying at 150/3 at one stage, the side could only manage 44 runs in the last 31 balls as they failed to close the chase inside 20 overs. The dismissal of Jitesh (33 off 23 balls) triggered the collapse as Nehal Wadhera (32* off 29 balls) played a forgetful knock, just like he did in the IPL 2025 final a few months back.

“As a senior, I should have finished it. I take full responsibility. It’s a learning curve for all of us. The team is talented, but young players can feel pressure in the final overs,” Jitesh said.

Bangladesh ‘A’ will take on Pakistan ‘A’ in the final on November 23 (Sunday).