Jitesh Sharma reveals reason behind benching Vaibhav Suryavanshi in Super Over vs Bangladesh A in Asia Cup Rising Stars semifinal

India A suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Bangladesh A in the semifinal of the Asia Cup Rising Stars on September 21, largely due to shoddy show in the Super Over drama. Many questioned Jitesh Sharma's decision to not send Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the Super Over despite the young batter's power-hitting prowess. Instead the two batters, Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma, India did send out were dismissed within just two balls without scoring any runs, leaving Bangladesh needing only a single run to win the semi-final.

Why Vaibhav Suryavanshi wasn't sent to bat in Super Over? Jitesh Sharma explains

During the post-match presentation, India A captain Jitesh Sharma addressed the decision to withhold Suryavanshi, providing an explanation for the team's thinking. Before his comments, however, the Super Over itself unfolded dramatically: Bangladesh’s Ripon Mondol wreaked havoc, dismissing Jitesh Sharma on the first ball after the captain attempted an audacious ramp shot. Ashutosh Sharma followed soon after, falling to an easy catch at extra-cover while trying to loft the ball over the fielder.

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“They are masters of powerplay (Vaibhav and Priyansh Arya, who was also not given the chance to bat in the Super Over). But in the death overs Ashu (Ashutosh Sharma), Raman (Ramandeep Singh) and me are players who can hit at will. So it was team decision and my decision,” Jitesh said in the post-match presentation.

Super Over drama

Chasing just one run for victory, Bangladesh also got off to a jittery start, when Suyash Sharma took the wicket of Yasir Ali on the first ball. It rekindled India A's hope, but little did they know that it won't last long. The match eventually concluded on the very next ball as Suyash Sharma bowled a wide, and although keeper Jitesh had a slim chance to stump the batter, he missed. The wide ball awarded the winning run to Bangladesh, securing their spot in the final.

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The contest was incredibly tight, as both teams had notched up identical scores of 194/6 in their respective 20-over innings. This deadlock forced the game into the decisive Super Over.

I will take all responsibility: Jitesh

However, Jitesh didn't shy away from taking the blame of defeat on him as he said that as a senior it was his responsibility to finish the game.

“I will take all responsibility, as a senior I should finish the game. It’s about the learning, not the losing. You never know, these guys may win World Cup for India some day. In terms of talent they’re touching the sky. It’s all about learning and experience. My wicket was the turning point,” he concluded.